Modi Visits China with a Message of Friendship

Darwin, August 31 — Amid the turbulent global political landscape, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in China for the first time in seven years with a message of friendship. He landed in Tianjin city on Saturday to attend the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

The summit will begin on Sunday and continue for two days. Indian expatriates at the airport welcomed Modi’s arrival.

On Sunday, Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting has gained additional significance following recent decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently imposed a 50% tariff on India’s exports. At the same time, China has become involved in a commercial conflict with the U.S.

Relations between the two countries have thawed considerably since the 2020 Galwan clash and the prolonged military standoff in Eastern Ladakh. Now, the main focus of the Modi-Xi meeting will be to further strengthen those relations and maintain a stable trajectory.

Before his trip to China, Modi, while in Japan, said in an interview, “India-China relations are extremely important, and they will have a positive impact on regional peace and prosperity.”

He added, “India and China are the two largest countries in the world. Stable, predictable, and friendly relations are essential not only for the region but also for global peace and prosperity.”

Following a recent visit to India by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, it was announced that both countries have decided to form a team of experts to address the border issues. Additionally, both nations have agreed to resume direct flights and simplify visa procedures.

During the SCO summit, Modi is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Key topics in their discussions could include Trump’s tariffs, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the situation in Gaza.

Washington and international experts have pointed out that Trump’s tariffs have dealt a significant blow to the long-term cooperation between the U.S. and India. As a result, New Delhi is now focusing on strengthening its relationships with Moscow and Beijing. Modi’s strategy is to diversify trade and prioritize national interests.