India and China signaled a fresh attempt to rebuild trust and cooperation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. The meeting marked Modi’s first visit to China in seven years and set the stage for renewed dialogue after years of strained relations.
New Agreements and Positive Steps
The two countries agreed on several important steps to strengthen ties. These included the resumption of direct flights, easing of visa rules, and the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage route that had been suspended. China also announced the removal of restrictions on key exports such as rare earths and fertilizers, offering relief to Indian industries. These moves reflected a practical approach by both nations to rebuild economic and cultural links.
Xi Jinping’s Call for Friendship
President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of India and China working together as neighbors and partners. Using a symbolic phrase, he said it was vital for the “dragon and the elephant to come together.” He highlighted that both nations, as two of the world’s oldest civilizations and most populous countries, must play a larger role in shaping the future of the Global South.
Xi also noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He urged both sides to approach their relationship with a long-term view and take on shared responsibilities in promoting multilateralism, a multipolar world order, and peace across Asia and beyond.
Modi’s Focus on Stability and Cooperation
In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi said India remains committed to improving relations with China based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. He pointed out that the well-being of 2.8 billion people the combined population of both countries depends on strong cooperation.
Modi welcomed the progress made since last year’s disengagement at the border, noting that peace has largely held along the Line of Actual Control. He also praised the return of cultural and people-to-people exchanges through resumed flights and the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar route.
“An agreement has been reached between our Special Representatives concerning border management.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed, and direct flights between the two countries are also being reinstated.
The interests of 2.8 billion people from both nations are… pic.twitter.com/RNF5Kivz0A
— BJP (@BJP4India) August 31, 2025
A Shift After Years of Tension
The meeting carries added significance as ties between the two neighbors had deteriorated in recent years, especially after the deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in 2020. Since then, both sides have held multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks to restore calm at the border. The latest talks in Tianjin reflect a broader effort to turn the page. With global economic and political shifts underway, India and China appear ready to find common ground balancing competition with cooperation.
Also read: Tianjin Buzzes as PM Modi Meets Xi Jinping at SCO Summit 2025 | Watch
