PM Modi Lands in China for First Visit Since 2016, Ahead of SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in China on Saturday for his first visit in seven years, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. During the trip, he is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The visit carries added significance as it marks Modi’s first trip to China since the 2020 military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and comes amid recent strains in India-US relations after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% levy on Russian oil imports.

Modi flew to Tianjin from Japan, where he and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced initiatives to boost economic cooperation, including a target of $68 billion in Japanese private investments over the next decade and a new Economic Security Initiative, in response to uncertainties created by US trade policies.

Upon arrival, Modi posted on social media: “Looking forward to deliberations at the SCO Summit and meeting various world leaders.” The external affairs ministry called the visit a “testament to our constructive and proactive role in SCO.”

Modi and Xi are set to meet Sunday afternoon to discuss measures to normalize ties, maintain peace along the LAC, and uphold the global economic order amid trade turbulence. This follows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to India, which saw agreements on early border management, resumption of direct flights, and promotion of trade and investment flows.

While border tensions have largely stabilized, officials said both sides will explore ways to build on progress made since last year. The resumption of direct flights remains contingent on finalizing an updated air services agreement.

Officials emphasized that Modi’s engagements in Tianjin are not a pivot away from the US, nor are there plans for discussions under the Russia-India-China (RIC) mechanism.

On Sunday evening, Modi will attend an official SCO reception that could bring him face-to-face with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the first time since hostilities in May following India’s Operation Sindoor.

On Monday, Modi will participate in the SCO Summit and hold a bilateral meeting with Putin to discuss trade, defense cooperation, US pressure on Russian oil purchases, and preparations for Putin’s planned visit to India in December, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.

Indian officials expect the SCO Summit to strongly condemn cross-border terrorism, consistent with the bloc’s founding principles. Tanmaya Lal, secretary (West) in the external affairs ministry, said, “We are working with other members and partners to ensure a strong reiteration of the condemnation of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.”