'Mutual trust, respect, sensitivity': In China after 7 years, PM Modi holds talks with Xi Jinping

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting, in Tianjin, China on August 31, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China's Tianjin, underscoring efforts to strengthen bilateral ties after years of border tensions.

The two leaders held a nearly an hour-long meeting, marking the Prime Minister's first visit to China in seven years.

During the talks, PM Modi said, “Last year in Kazan, we had very fruitful discussions which gave a positive direction to our relations. After the disengagement on the border, an atmosphere of peace and stability has been created.”

He stated that India and China are determined to strengthen ties based on “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.”

The Prime Minister, during his address at the bilateral meet, also underscored several agreements reached during the meeting, including understandings on border management, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and direct flights between the two countries.

“The interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation,” PM Modi noted, adding that these steps pave the way for broader regional and global stability.

#WATCH | Tianjin, China: During his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "An agreement has been reached between our Special Representatives regarding border management. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed. Direct flights… pic.twitter.com/ctxwPLlWXr

— ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2025

PM Modi and President Xi shook hands ahead of their bilateral meeting in Tianjin, signaling a positive start to their discussions.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, China.

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(Source: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/BNRfDkDtCW

— ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2025

Prime Minister has also emphasized that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens. The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platformss, according to the MEA statement.

Notably, this was PM Modi's first meeting with Xi in about 10 months, the last being in Russia during the BRICS summit.

The bilateral meeting is seen as significant against the backdrop of global trade tensions, particularly between India and the U.S.

The latest US tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25 percent levy on crude imports from Russia, have coincided with efforts by India and China to normalise relations.

PM Modi's visit to the neighbouring nations comes at a critical time as India balances its ties with Washington, Moscow, and Beijing.

In recent months, India and China have taken steps to reset ties, including reopening border trade through Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La, resuming direct flights, and easing visa restrictions.

These measures follow PM Modi’s and Xi’s last meeting in Russia during the BRICS summit, which marked a cautious thaw in relations.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which India joined in 2017, now comprises 10 members, including China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and several Central Asian states. Together, the SCO accounts for about 40% of the world’s population and possesses significant energy and strategic resources, making it a key platform for regional cooperation and a counterbalance to Western-led initiatives.