New Delhi, May 8 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (May 8) pledged to deepen their strategic partnership, with Xi declaring that their nations should be "true friends of steel that have been through a hundred trials by fire." The statement came as Xi arrived in Moscow for a four-day visit, coinciding with Russia's Victory Day celebrations.

Putin welcomed Xi warmly, calling him a "dear friend" and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to "communicate directly." Putin confirmed he plans to visit China "with pleasure."

At their Kremlin talks, both leaders emphasised the importance of countering Western dominance. Xi said China and Russia should "safeguard international fairness and justice"...