Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, the city hosting the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Sources from India’s External Affairs Ministry said the meeting was planned for around 20 minutes, focusing on the overall framework of India-China relations and the geopolitical situation.
A Gesture of Warming Relations
PM Modi’s visit symbolizes a thaw in India-China ties. China expressed its anticipation, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying, “China welcomes Prime Minister Modi to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit.” He added that the meeting would reflect “solidarity and friendship” and mark a new phase of high-quality development within the SCO.
Their last meeting at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in 2024, helped improve ties. India has resumed visas for Chinese citizens, restarted the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and plans to resume direct flights this September. Top Indian officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM S. Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval, have recently visited China.
Border Talks Could Gain Momentum
The Modi-Xi meeting may help progress on border issues, which worsened after the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Disengagement agreements were reached in Demchok and Depsang, and both nations have been working on gradual trust-building.
Following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India, the MEA suggested addressing smaller border issues first, leaving more complex topics for later. The leaders are expected to discuss de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control, laying steps toward greater trust and predictability.
Reaffirming India’s Global Strategy
PM Modi’s SCO visit highlights India’s strategic autonomy. India has avoided taking sides between Russia and the US-led West over the Ukraine war, prioritizing national and strategic interests. Modi emphasizes dialogue and diplomacy, positioning India as a bridge between global powers.
While the Quad alliance has sought to counter China, rising US-India tensions over tariffs have led India to explore closer ties with Russia and China, especially through BRICS. China has supported India on tariff disputes, with Ambassador Xu Feihong stating,
“China firmly opposes the tariff move and will firmly stand with India to uphold the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.”
Strengthening Economic and Trade Links
The meeting could advance India-China economic cooperation. India’s “China plus one” strategy aims to diversify supply chains, while India has become the top smartphone supplier to the US in Q2 FY25.
Collaboration could also support India’s 2030 electric vehicle target of 6% new sales. India’s trade deficit with China has risen to $99.2 billion in FY24-25, with imports reaching $113.45 billion. Talks may address market access, easing investment rules, and China lifting export curbs on fertilizers, rare earth minerals, and tunnel-boring machines.
Experts Weigh In on the Summit
Analysts say the summit could be seen as a reset in India-China relations, even without major breakthroughs. Alyssa Ayres, Council on Foreign Relations, noted: “Even if they don’t call it a reset, global watchers are likely to see it as one, which is important for perceptions.”
Manoj Kewalramani, Takshashila Institution, added “Both countries recognize the world order is in flux. Historical mistrust remains, but stability and predictability can provide practical gains.”
Some remain skeptical. Amit Bhandari, Gateway House, said, “Suspicion of China runs deep in India. A Chinese partnership is unlikely to match India’s ties with Russia or the US.”
