Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on Sunday during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The meeting comes at a time when India’s ties with the United States are strained due to Washington’s tariff policies, including heavy duties on India’s purchase of Russian crude.
Key Takeaways from Modi–Xi Talks
Modi told Xi that both countries had agreed on fresh steps for border management. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed, and direct flights between India and China are set to restart. Stressing the importance of cooperation, Modi said the well-being of 2.8 billion people depends on the partnership between the two nations. He underlined India’s commitment to building relations based on trust, respect, and sensitivity.
Xi responded with optimism, saying that it is the “right choice” for India and China to be friends and that the border dispute should not define their overall relationship.
SCO Summit and Global Context
The SCO summit is particularly significant this year. With China facing pressure from US tariffs and India seeking stable energy and trade routes, both sides see value in recalibrating ties. The SCO itself represents nearly half the world’s population and a quarter of global economic output, with members including China, Russia, and India.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also arrived in Tianjin for the summit. He was welcomed with a red-carpet reception and is scheduled to meet both Xi and Modi to discuss regional cooperation.
Other Bilateral Meetings
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi met leaders from the Maldives, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Belarus, and Myanmar. He is also scheduled to hold a separate bilateral meeting with Putin before returning to India.
What This Means for India-China Ties
Both leaders discussed trade balance, counter-terrorism, and people-to-people exchanges. They expressed a desire to move forward despite past tensions, particularly after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Analysts note that if disengagement and trust-building at the border succeed, other areas of cooperation like tourism, flights, and cultural exchanges will expand.
The Road Ahead
India has invited Xi Jinping to the 2026 BRICS summit in New Delhi. The renewed dialogue signals that while challenges remain, both countries are seeking stability in a shifting global order where economic and strategic partnerships are becoming increasingly important.
