China and India Eye Stronger Ties as Xi Meets Modi at SCO Summit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a pivotal bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, signaling a mutual commitment to restore and deepen their complex relationship. Modi’s visit marked his first trip to China in seven years, a significant gesture following years of tension including the deadly border clashes of 2020. The leaders emphasized peace, stability, and cooperation as central to their vision for the future of Asia and the wider world.
Rebuilding Trust and Maintaining Peace at the Border
During their talks, Modi and Xi reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along their shared border, an area that saw violent confrontations and heightened military posturing in recent years. Modi highlighted “a peaceful atmosphere following disengagement” and stressed that differences between the two nations “should not turn into disputes.” The two leaders agreed to handle border issues with sensitivity and mutual respect, aiming to prevent further escalation and to foster stable and constructive engagement.
Economic Cooperation and a Multipolar Asia
Both Modi and Xi recognized their crucial roles as major global economies responsible for regional and world stability. They spoke about the need to support a multipolar world order and a multipolar Asia, reflecting the realities of the 21st century. Economic growth and sustainable development were underscored as top priorities that should not be overshadowed by political and territorial disagreements. The leaders expressed optimism about building “development partnerships, not rivalries,” aiming to enhance trade, connectivity, and cooperation across sectors.
The SCO Summit and Regional Security
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit brought together leaders from China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian nations to discuss a wide array of political, economic, and security challenges facing the region. The SCO, originally founded in 2001 as a security bloc focused on counterterrorism and regional stability, has evolved into a platform promoting broader cooperation and strategic dialogue. Modi’s active participation alongside Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrated India’s balancing act amid shifting global alliances and its pursuit of a nuanced foreign policy.
Strategic Balancing Amid U.S. Tariffs and Global Shifts
Modi’s visit occurs against a backdrop of strained India-U.S. relations, particularly following Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports. The summit and Modi’s meetings represented an opportunity to diversify partnerships and strengthen ties with regional powers at a time when U.S. policy stirred uncertainty. Both India and China are navigating their strategic interests carefully, balancing relationships with major powers while focusing on advancing their regional stability and economic agendas.
Looking Forward: Dialogue, Cooperation, and Challenges
Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping concluded their meeting with a shared commitment to continue dialogue and build on the positive momentum in bilateral relations. Both leaders recognized that while challenges remain, sustained efforts and goodwill are essential for progress. The emphasis on cooperation rather than confrontation reflected a mutual understanding of their intertwined futures. As the SCO summit progresses, all eyes will be on how India and China translate their renewed engagement into tangible outcomes for regional peace and prosperity.