Tianjin, China – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, marking his first visit to the country in seven years. The high-stakes trip comes amid escalating India-US trade tensions over tariffs and growing global interest in how Asia’s two largest powers—India and China—will navigate their complex relationship.
PM Modi’s China Visit: A Defining Moment After Seven Years
Landing in Tianjin, Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the two-day SCO Summit (August 31–September 1). Their bilateral talks, lasting about 40 minutes, focused on restoring trust and stability in relations strained by border disputes and global economic rivalry.
PM Modi stressed that the India-China partnership must be based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity, highlighting the significance of people-to-people connections. He spoke about reviving the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and enhancing connectivity through direct flight services between the two nations.
Xi Jinping: “Dragon and Elephant Come Together”
In a symbolic and carefully worded statement, Xi Jinping said:
“China and India are two ancient civilizations, the world’s two most populous nations, and key members of the Global South. We share the historic responsibility of improving the well-being of our people, fostering solidarity among developing nations, and advancing human progress. It is the right choice for us to become good neighbors, supportive partners, and bring the dragon and the elephant together.”
The remark is being viewed as an attempt to reset ties, signaling China’s openness to a more cooperative framework with India amid rising geopolitical polarization.
Key Agendas on the Table
The Modi–Xi meeting carried immense geopolitical weight, with several core issues in focus:
Trade and Tariffs – With the ongoing US tariff war, both India and China are seeking ways to diversify partnerships and reduce vulnerabilities.
Border Stability – Talks likely included steps to de-escalate tensions in Eastern Ladakh and strengthen border management mechanisms.
Connectivity & Cultural Exchange – Discussions around Kailash Mansarovar Yatra revival and direct air routes are intended to improve people-to-people trust.
Global South Leadership – Both leaders underlined their responsibility toward developing nations, particularly in areas of climate action, trade reforms, and sustainable growth.
SCO Summit 2025: India at the Center Stage
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) currently has 10 member states—China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. It also includes several observer nations and dialogue partners.
India became a full member in 2017, after being an observer since 2005, and has since taken active roles, including chairing the SCO Heads of Government Council in 2020 and the SCO Heads of State Council in 2022–2023.
The SCO platform provides India a unique opportunity to balance relations with Eurasian powers while asserting its strategic independence.
Global Leaders Gather in Tianjin
The SCO Summit has drawn top global leaders:
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived on a four-day state visit, combining SCO participation with attendance at China’s Victory Day celebrations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also reached Tianjin to attend the summit, underscoring Turkey’s growing role in Eurasian geopolitics.
For India, meetings with Putin and other leaders will be crucial in shaping its multipolar engagement strategy, particularly as Washington’s protectionist trade policies under President Trump continue to disrupt global markets.
India-China Reset: Challenges and Opportunities
While Xi’s “dragon and elephant” metaphor reflects optimism, both nations face formidable challenges in normalizing ties:
Lingering Border Disputes: Eastern Ladakh remains a flashpoint, with occasional standoffs despite disengagement agreements.
Economic Competition: India’s push for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) often clashes with China’s dominance in supply chains.
Strategic Alignments: India’s strengthening ties with the US, Japan, and QUAD partners contrast with China’s alignment with Russia and Pakistan.
Yet, opportunities exist—particularly in energy cooperation, climate policy, and digital economy collaboration—where India and China share common ground.
Why This Summit Matters for India
For New Delhi, the SCO Summit is not just about China, but about reasserting India’s strategic autonomy. By engaging Beijing while maintaining strong ties with Moscow and deepening participation in the SCO, India positions itself as a balancing force in global geopolitics.
The Modi–Xi handshake in Tianjin could mark the beginning of a cautious thaw—though whether it translates into long-term partnership will depend on actions beyond words.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter or Old Rivalries?
PM Modi’s visit to China after seven years is already being framed as a diplomatic milestone. If mutual trust can be rebuilt, the dragon and elephant walking together could redefine not only Asia’s future but also the global balance of power.
The next two days of the SCO Summit will reveal whether this meeting was a symbolic reset or the start of a transformative partnership.
Bottom Line: The Modi–Xi meeting at SCO 2025 has set the stage for a potential new chapter in India-China relations. With both nations signaling the will to cooperate despite differences, the world watches closely to see whether the dragon and the elephant truly march together.
