India has dismissed recent reports that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a "secret letter" to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, aimed at improving relations between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refuted the claims, calling the story "incorrect" and urging the media to exercise responsibility in their reporting.

The report, which originated from Bloomberg, cited an anonymous Indian official who stated that President Xi sent the letter to President Murmu in March. The report further suggested that the letter expressed China's concerns regarding potential harm to its interests from any deals between the U.S. and India. It also claimed the message was intended for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that the Indian government began a "serious effort" to improve relations with China in June.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the press, stating, "We have seen the report and can confirm that the story about the letter is incorrect".

Amidst the denial, it's worth noting that both India and China have been making efforts to improve their relationship, which had deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Prime Minister Modi recently attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, where he met with President Xi. During the meeting, Modi affirmed India's commitment to advancing relations with China based on "mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity". Xi Jinping reciprocated, emphasizing the need for friendship between the two countries, stating that the "elephant" and "dragon" should coexist harmoniously.

Furthermore, China has shown support for India amidst trade tensions with the U.S., openly opposing the tariffs imposed by the U.S.. This has led to claims from former U.S. President Donald Trump that the U.S. has lost India and Russia to China.

Despite the MEA's denial of the "secret letter," high-level engagements between India and China continue. Prime Minister Modi has invited President Xi to the BRICS Summit, which India will host in 2026. President Xi has accepted the invitation and offered China's support for India's upcoming BRICS Presidency.

These interactions build upon India's increasing role within BRICS. During the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Modi shared India's vision for the group, aiming to give BRICS a "new form" next year and prioritizing issues of the Global South.