‘Good neighbours, friends and partners’: On India’s R-Day, Xi claps for dragon-elephant dance

As India–China ties continue to show signs of improvement, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday described the two countries as “good neighbours, friends and partners” while extending Republic Day greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

‘Dragon and elephant dancing together’

In his message marking India’s 77th Republic Day, Xi referred to relations between Beijing and New Delhi as the “dragon and the elephant dancing together”, a phrase China frequently uses to characterise ties between the two neighbours.

Importance for world peace and prosperity

Xi said China–India relations had continued to improve over the past year and were of “great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity”. He added that Beijing believes being “good neighbours, friends and partners” is the right choice for both countries.

Call for dialogue and cooperation

The Chinese President said China hopes both sides will expand exchanges and cooperation, address each other’s concerns, and work towards healthy and stable bilateral relations.

Border dispute and Galwan clash

India and China share a 3,800-kilometre border that has remained disputed since the 1950s. Relations were severely strained following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh, triggered by Chinese aggression. China later acknowledged the deaths of four of its soldiers. The incident led to heavy militarisation along the Himalayan frontier.

Gradual thaw in relations

Xi’s remarks come as bilateral ties show signs of recovery after nearly four years of tension. Efforts to stabilise relations gathered pace last year through a series of high-level engagements, including a meeting between Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.

Since then, New Delhi and Beijing have maintained dialogue to manage differences and rebuild ties. Direct flights resumed in 2025, alongside increased trade and investment, even as both countries navigate their relationship against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s combative foreign policy. Officials on both sides say that despite ongoing differences and strategic rivalry, relations are maintaining a positive trajectory.

India’s Republic Day

India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day on Monday, marking the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. The day symbolises the culmination of India’s struggle for independence and the establishment of constitutional governance based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.