Shanghai, August 31 /BNA/ – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that New Delhi is committed to improving relations with Beijing based on mutual respect, trust, and consideration.

This came during Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit today, Sunday.

Modi is visiting China for the first time in seven years to attend the two-day Regional Security Forum meeting, which includes Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, reviewing solidarity among Global South countries.

During his meeting with the Chinese president, Modi announced that India and China will resume direct flights, according to Bloomberg News Agency, affirming his commitment to advancing India-China relations based on trust and mutual respect.

Prior to Modi’s visit to China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited New Delhi earlier this August, where both sides announced rapprochement, with the two governments pledging to relaunch border talks and resume visa issuance and direct flights.

China and India have intensified official visits this year and discussed easing some restrictions on trade and cross-border movement of people.