Tianjin (China), August 31 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China has begun on a high note as he sat down for crucial bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday in Tianjin. The meeting, which lasted for over an hour, comes just a day before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit officially kicks off.
This is PM Modi’s first visit to China in more than seven years and also the first since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Given the backdrop of rising global tensions, including the United States imposing fresh tariffs on Indian exports and Beijing’s unstable ties with Washington, the Modi-Xi talks carry significant weight.
Warm Welcome in Tianjin
Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian community in China. Excited members gathered to greet him with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”, waving the tricolour and expressing their admiration for the Prime Minister.
For many in the diaspora, Modi’s visit symbolises India’s growing stature on the global stage. Community members said they were proud to see India playing a leading role in international diplomacy and forums like the SCO.
Cultural Evening for PM Modi
Later in the evening, PM Modi attended a special cultural performance arranged at his hotel in Tianjin. In a symbolic gesture of friendship, Chinese artists performed Indian classical music using traditional instruments such as the sitar, santoor, and tabla.
The event highlighted the long history of cultural exchange between India and China. Observers said such moments are not only diplomatic courtesies but also reminders of the deep-rooted civilisational ties between the two Asian giants.
The Significance of the Modi-Xi Meeting
The over-an-hour-long meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping is being seen as a major diplomatic development. Both leaders discussed bilateral issues, global challenges, and the role of the SCO in promoting peace and cooperation.
Analysts believe the talks were especially important because India-China relations have been strained in recent years. The Galwan Valley clash in 2020 marked one of the lowest points in ties between the two countries in decades. Since then, both sides have held multiple rounds of military and diplomatic discussions, but a sense of mistrust has remained.
The meeting in Tianjin could be a step towards thawing relations, especially as both countries face new challenges with the United States. With Washington’s recent decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian exports, and China’s own trade war with the U.S., New Delhi and Beijing may find common ground in strengthening cooperation within platforms like the SCO.
Focus on the SCO Summit
The SCO Summit in Tianjin will run for two days, bringing together leaders from member countries to discuss critical issues such as regional security, counterterrorism, energy cooperation, and trade.
India has consistently used the SCO platform to highlight its concerns about cross-border terrorism, stability in Afghanistan, and the need for stronger connectivity across Eurasia. This year’s summit is expected to see intense discussions on global trade tensions, the impact of U.S. tariffs, and the role of the SCO in ensuring economic resilience among its members.
For China, hosting the summit in Tianjin is also a chance to showcase its global leadership ambitions. By engaging with India, Beijing hopes to present a picture of unity within Asia at a time when its ties with the U.S. are shaky.
First Visit After Seven Years
Prime Minister Modi’s last official visit to China was over seven years ago, making this trip particularly significant. The gap reflects the tense state of ties since the border clashes. His decision to attend the SCO in person underlines India’s commitment to the forum and its willingness to engage directly with Beijing despite unresolved issues.
Diplomatic experts say Modi’s presence at the summit sends a strong message — that India is willing to lead from the front in multilateral forums and balance its relationships with major global powers, including the U.S., Russia, and China.
What Lies Ahead
While no major breakthrough announcements have been made yet, the Modi-Xi meeting is expected to set the tone for further interactions. Both sides are likely to continue high-level talks in the coming months, with focus on trade, border stability, and cooperation in global platforms.
For India, the key challenge remains balancing its strategic partnership with the U.S. while managing its complex relationship with China. For Beijing, engaging with New Delhi is vital to maintaining its influence in Asia at a time of growing global isolation.
As the SCO Summit progresses, all eyes will be on how the Modi-Xi meeting shapes future India-China ties and whether it can ease tensions that have overshadowed the relationship in recent years.