PM Modi to Visit China for SCO Summit After Xi Jinping’s Invite

PM Modi to Visit China for SCO Summit After Xi Jinping’s Invite

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tianjin, China later this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, marking his first visit to China in seven years. The invitation was formally extended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on behalf of President Xi Jinping, during their meeting in New Delhi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.

PM Modi accepted the invite and thanked President Xi, highlighting that ties between the two nations have made steady progress since their meeting in Kazan last year.

Sharing an update on X, Modi wrote:

“Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other’s interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity.”

Background Context

The visit comes against the backdrop of heightened global trade tensions, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, including a 50% duty on Indian goods. Ironically, Trump’s moves may have created more space for India and China to recalibrate ties, even though Washington hasn’t acknowledged this shift.

While relations were strained after Beijing backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack, the recent thaw suggests both sides are looking to stabilize their partnership.

Key Developments in India-China Relations

•              Boundary Issue: PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to finding a fair and mutually acceptable solution. Both sides agreed that stable ties are crucial for regional peace.

•              Pilgrimages: Modi welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

•              Special Representatives Talks: At the 24th round of SR talks, Wang Yi and NSA Ajit Doval held “comprehensive and in-depth” discussions on the border issue. Doval noted an “upward trend” in ties, with quieter borders and greater stability in recent months.

•              Terrorism Concerns: India raised its concerns over cross-border terrorism in clear terms.

•              River Projects: Jaishankar flagged India’s concerns about China’s construction of a mega dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo river.

•              New Mechanism: An Expert Group under the WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs) will be set up to work on early progress in boundary delimitation.

Looking Ahead

PM Modi’s trip to Tianjin for the SCO Summit could prove a turning point in India-China relations, potentially leading to deeper trade ties, more stable border management, and a framework for cooperation despite ongoing differences.