Jinping and Narendra Modi Hold Key Meeting at SCO Summit

Tianjin: On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting that is being seen as a significant step toward improving relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

This marks Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, carrying particular weight given the deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley in 2020, which severely strained bilateral ties.

In his opening remarks, Modi stated that relations with China are “moving in a meaningful direction” and that a “peaceful environment” now prevails along the borders. The statement has raised hopes for a reduction in tensions and the restoration of diplomatic engagement.

The meeting follows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi earlier this month, during which both sides agreed to resume border talks, ease visa restrictions, and restore direct flights. Analysts note that the U.S. decision to impose a 50% tariff on India’s imports of Russian oil has further underscored the importance of New Delhi’s ties with Beijing.

In recent months, both countries have increased high-level exchanges and discussed easing restrictions on trade and people-to-people movement. In June, Beijing allowed Indian pilgrims to visit sacred sites in Tibet, signaling a revival of cultural and religious linkages.

Observers say the Tianjin meeting, coupled with these recent steps, reflects a mutual effort by China and India to stabilize relations and foster regional stability.