Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin on Sunday ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders’ summit, marking a significant step in efforts to stabilise India–China relations after years of tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
This was Modi’s first visit to China in seven years and his second meeting with Xi within 10 months, following their October 2024 talks in Kazan, Russia.
During the meeting, Modi stressed that “peace and stability” now prevail along the border following troop disengagement last year, even as 50,000 to 60,000 troops remain stationed on either side of the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
He said India is committed to advancing ties with China based on “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.”
The talks highlighted several confidence-building measures, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the restart of direct flights between the two countries.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving border issues in a fair and mutually acceptable way, acknowledging the progress made by their Special Representatives—National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi—during talks earlier this month.
Xi described China and India as “two ancient Eastern civilisations and the world’s most populous nations,” calling for a cooperative “Dragon and Elephant Dance.”
He emphasised that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and urged a strategic, long-term approach to strengthening relations.
According to the Chinese statement, both sides agreed to deepen trust, focus on development as a shared priority, respect each other’s concerns, and strengthen cooperation on multilateral platforms.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed this sentiment, noting that the two countries see themselves as “partners, not rivals,” and that their cooperation is essential for a multipolar world order.
Modi also underlined that India–China relations should not be seen “through a third-country lens,” a subtle reference to strained ties between India and the U.S., particularly over tariffs and Russian oil imports.
The meeting came at a sensitive geopolitical moment. Relations between Delhi and Beijing have been strained since the five-year standoff in Ladakh, worsened by reports of Chinese support for Pakistan during hostilities following Operation Sindoor in May. Despite these tensions, Delhi is pursuing a “step-by-step” stabilisation strategy.
Beyond border and security issues, both leaders stressed economic collaboration, trade expansion, and reducing the trade deficit, positioning their economies as stabilising forces in global commerce.
Modi also met Cai Qi, a senior Politburo Standing Committee member, seeking deeper exchanges and support for bilateral initiatives.
The hour-long meeting in Tianjin signaled cautious optimism as India and China prepare for further cooperation, including India hosting the BRICS Summit in 2026.
Both nations are now focusing on trust-building measures and broader regional engagement to reshape their relationship.
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