President Xi Jinping on Sunday told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that China and India are cooperation partners, not rivals, and that the two countries are each other's development opportunities rather than threats.

As long as the two countries stick to this overarching direction, China-India relations can sustain steady and long-term growth, Xi said when the two leaders met in the port city of Tianjin ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025.

The President said China and India should become neighbours on good terms and partners helping each other succeed.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-India diplomatic relations, Xi said the two countries need to view and handle bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective.

He called on the two countries to strengthen strategic communication to deepen mutual trust, expand exchanges and foster win-win cooperation.

Modi, for his part, said he and Xi have reached new important consensus which provides a solid foundation for deepening cooperation.

India stands ready to work with China to contribute to the advancement of bilateral ties as well as global peace and development, Modi said. (Xinhua)