Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Xi Jinping Congratulates India on Republic Day
China's President Xi Jinping sent a message to India's President Droupadi Murmu to congratulate India on its 77th Republic Day.
In his message, Xi Jinping said that China and India are good neighbors, friends, and partners.
He also mentioned that both countries are like a 'dragon and an elephant dancing together.'
Xi hoped that both countries would work together to improve their relationship and address each other's concerns.
China and India share a long border that has been disputed since the 1950s.
There was a serious conflict in 2020, but both countries have been working to improve their relationship since then.
They have resumed direct flights and increased trade and investment.
The United States also extended greetings to India on Republic Day, highlighting the historic bond between the two countries as the world's oldest and largest democracies.
Despite ongoing trade tensions, both countries are committed to maintaining a positive trajectory in their relations.
China's President Xi Jinping congratulated India's President Droupadi Murmu on India's 77th Republic Day, describing China and India as 'good neighbours, friends and partners.'
Xi Jinping referred to China and India as a 'dragon and an elephant dancing together' and expressed hope for expanded exchanges and cooperation to address concerns and promote healthy and stable relations.
The message was reported by the official Xinhua news agency and highlighted the significance of China-India relations for world peace and prosperity.
China and India share a disputed 3,800 km border, with tensions rising after a 2020 clash that resulted in deaths on both sides, but ties have improved recently with resumed direct flights and increased trade.
The United States also extended greetings to India on Republic Day, highlighting the historic bond between the two countries as the world's oldest and largest democracies, despite ongoing trade tensions.
- Who
- Xi Jinping (China's President) and Droupadi Murmu (India's President)
- What
- Xi Jinping's congratulatory message to India on Republic Day
- When
- January 26, 2026
- Where
- Hong Kong
- Why
- To express goodwill and friendship between China and India, and to highlight the significance of their relations for world peace and prosperity
- Event
- Xi Jinping's congratulatory message to India on Republic Day
- Date
- January 26, 2026
- Location
- Hong Kong
- Key Figures
- Xi Jinping (China's President), Droupadi Murmu (India's President)
- Source
- Xinhua news agency
- Border Length
- 3,800 km (2,400 miles)
- Recent Conflict
- 2020 Galwan Valley clash resulting in 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldier deaths
- Recent Developments
- Improved ties in 2025, resumed direct flights in 2025, increased trade and investment
- China's 15th Five-Year Plan
- Focus on high-level sci-tech self-reliance, expanding high-standard opening-up, and fostering emerging industries
- US-India Relations
- Historic bond as the world's oldest and largest democracies, despite ongoing trade tensions
Sources
China’s Xi says India, China are “friends, partners”
China's Xi says India, China are 'friends, partners'
China's President Xi Jinping says India, China are 'friends, partners' - Telegraph India
China and India are ‘good neighbours, friends and partners’: President Xi
Donald Trump's "Historic Bond" Message For India On 77th Republic Day
‘US, India share a historic bond’: President Donald Trump in Republic Day 2026 message
Have dragon and elephant dance together: Chinese President extends R-Day greetings to India
Republic Day 2026: Shah Rukh Khan celebrates India’s ‘unity in diversity’; Alia Bhatt shares flag made by Raha
‘Good neighbours, friends and partners’: On India’s R-Day, Xi claps for dragon-elephant dance
