“Dragon And Elephant Dancing Together”: Xi Jinping Extends Warm Republic Day Wishes

NEW DELHI / BEIJING — In a move reflecting the rapid normalization of relations between the world’s two most populous nations, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to India on its 77th Republic Day today, Monday, January 26, 2026.

The message, reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency, comes at a pivotal moment as the “Dragon and Elephant” move past years of border-related tensions to embrace a new era of strategic re-engagement.

1. A Shift in Tone: “Friends and Partners”

President Xi’s message to President Droupadi Murmu used notably warmer language compared to previous years:

• The Vision: Xi noted that bilateral relations have grown significantly over the past year, stating that a stable India-China partnership is vital for global peace and prosperity.
• The Metaphor: He reiterated the phrase “the dragon and the elephant dancing together,” emphasizing that cooperation between the two giants is a historical necessity rather than a choice.
• Diplomatic Stability: He expressed a desire for both nations to “address each other’s concerns” and expand exchanges across all sectors.

2. The Road to the 2026 “Thaw”

The cordiality of today’s message is the result of a deliberate diplomatic “reset” that began in late 2024:

• The Kazan Breakthrough (Oct 2024): PM Modi and President Xi met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia, reaching a consensus on border disengagement.
• The Tianjin Summit (Aug 2025): PM Modi made his first visit to China in seven years for the SCO Summit in Tianjin. The two leaders agreed to view each other as “development opportunities rather than threats.”
• Pilgrimage & Travel: Relations were further softened by the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims and the easing of visa restrictions.
• Direct Flights (Feb 2026): Air India is set to resume non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai on February 1, 2026, marking the first direct air link in nearly six years.

3. Looking Ahead: BRICS 2026 in India

President Xi has officially accepted PM Modi’s invitation to attend the BRICS Summit 2026, which India is hosting later this year.

• Economic Recalibration: The Indian Finance Ministry is currently reviewing the easing of Press Note 3 norms, which could allow for renewed Chinese investment in non-sensitive sectors to address the trade deficit.
• Strategic Caution: Despite the “thaw,” Indian officials maintain a policy of “cautious optimism,” keeping a close watch on infrastructure developments in the Shaksgam Valley and the Indian Ocean.

Timeline of the India-China Reset (2024–2026)