What’s on the Agenda for Modi and Xi at the SCO Summit?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to China marks a significant moment as he meets with President Xi Jinping during the SCO Summit. With the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions involving the US, the discussions are expected to focus on enhancing India-China economic ties and addressing the strains caused by border conflicts. Modi emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the two nations to stabilize the global economic order. This meeting follows recent diplomatic engagements aimed at fostering a more cooperative relationship. Discover the key points of their discussions and what it means for regional and global stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2025, 10:36 IST

Bilateral Talks Between Modi and Xi in Tianjin

Tianjin: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid ongoing trade tensions involving the United States that have affected major global economies.

Modi arrived in China on Saturday for a two-day visit, marking his first trip there in seven years.

During their discussions, the leaders are anticipated to review the economic relationship between India and China and explore ways to improve ties that have been strained due to the border conflict in eastern Ladakh.

The primary purpose of Modi's visit is to participate in the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that commenced on Sunday.

However, the significance of his meeting with Xi is heightened by the recent tensions between India and the US, stemming from the previous administration's trade policies.

Before his arrival in Tianjin, Modi emphasized the necessity for India and China to collaborate in stabilizing the global economic landscape.

In an interview with Japan's The Yomiuri Shimbun, he stated that stable and friendly relations between the two nations could positively influence regional and global peace and prosperity.

Modi remarked, "In light of the current economic volatility, it is crucial for India and China, as significant economies, to work together to ensure stability in the world economic order," as reported in the interview published on Friday.

His visit follows closely on the heels of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's trip to India.

After Wang's extensive discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, both sides announced several initiatives aimed at fostering a "stable, cooperative, and forward-looking" relationship.

These initiatives included joint efforts to maintain peace along the disputed border, the reopening of border trade, and the prompt resumption of direct flight services.

In recent months, both nations have taken steps to mend their relationship, which had been severely tested following the violent clashes between Indian and Chinese forces in Galwan Valley in June 2020.