PM Modi in China Live Updates: 'Post plenary session of SCO summit, PM Modi, Russian Prez Putin to have bilateral meet,' says FS Misri

Vikram Misri says, "Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will be addressing the plenary session of the Summit, where he will outline India's approach to fostering regional cooperation under the SCO umbrella. After this engagement, he is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, following which he will depart for India."

Vikram Misri says, "The Prime Minister had a separate meeting with Cai Qi, who is a member of Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). There was originally a proposal from the Chinese side for Cai Qi to host a banquet for the Prime Minister on behalf of President Xi Jinping. This was meant as a special gesture to show the importance attached by China to the visit of the Prime Minister, which was taking place after a hiatus of nearly seven years. However, as there was a scheduling conflict, it was decided to have a brief meeting between Prime Minister and Cai Qi.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared his overall vision for the India-China relationship with Cai Qi and sought his involvement and his role to realise the consensus of the two leaders. Cai Qi, for his part, reiterated the Chinese side's desire to expand bilateral exchanges in various fields, to address our respective concerns in economic areas and to further improve relations in line with the consensus that had been reached between the Prime Minister and the President in their meeting earlier in the morning."

Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri says, "There was also a discussion on regional and global issues and challenges, including with regard to multilateral platforms. Prime Minister expressed support for China's ongoing presidency of the SCO and the summit in Tianjin. He also invited President Xi to the BRIC Summit that India will be hosting in 2026. President Xi thanked Prime Minister for the invitation and offered China's full support to India's BRICS presidency."

Vikram Misri says, "On economic and trade relations, there was recognition of the role that the Indian and the Chinese economies can play in stabilising world trade. Both leaders underlined the need, once again, to proceed from a political and strategic direction to reduce their bilateral trade deficit, facilitate bilateral trade and investment ties in both directions, and increase policy transparency and predictability."

'Situation on boundary will be reflected in some way or the other on overall ties,' says FS Misri on Modi-Xi talks. 'Maintenance of peace and tranquility on border is like insurance for overall development of ties,' he says. 'PM Modi held bilateral talks with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar, discussed security and border issues,' he says in MEA press conference.

Vikram Misri says, "...They also expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and in the long-term interests of the two peoples."

"Amongst other issues, the two leaders also exchanged views on ways to increase and balance bilateral trade, strengthen people-to-people ties, cooperate on trans-border rivers, and jointly fight terrorism. There was a desire to make additional progress on all of these issues on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interests, and mutual sensitivity," he says.

Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri says, "The boundary issue also figured in the discussions. Both leaders took note of the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border regions since then. In voicing certain principles related to this issue. The Prime Minister underlined the need for peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued and smooth development of bilateral relations. There was understanding on the need to maintain peace on the borders using the existing mechanisms and avoid disturbances to the overall relationship going forward."

Vikram Misri says, "They both agreed that the two countries were primarily focused on their domestic development goals, and in this, they were partners rather than rivals. It was also an element of consensus between them that a stable and amicable relationship between India and China can be to the benefit of the 2.8 billion people who live in the two countries."

"The common interests of the two countries outweigh their differences and the two leaders also shared a consensus on the fact that differences should not be allowed to be turned into disputes. It was also understood that it is critical that India and China grow and cooperate if there is to be an Asian century and a functioning multipolar world order with a multipolar Asia at its heart," he says.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "They also expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and in the long-term interests of the two peoples."

"Amongst other issues, the two leaders also exchanged views on ways to increase and balance bilateral trade, strengthen people-to-people ties, cooperate on trans-border rivers, and jointly fight terrorism. There was a desire to make additional progress on all of these issues on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interests, and mutual sensitivity..." says Misri.

"President Xi made four suggestions to further upgrade bilateral relations, namely to strengthen strategic communication and deepen mutual trust, to expand exchanges and cooperation, to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, to accommodate each other's concerns, and finally to strengthen multilateral cooperation to safeguard common interests and all of these were responded to positively by Prime Minister Modi," says FS Vikram Misri.

'PM Modi and President Xi spoke about their respective principles for bilateral ties which it is expected to help guide future works. It was an element of consensus that stable and amicable India-China relationship can benefit 2.8 billion people of two countries', says FS Misri.

'PM Modi and President Xi were of view that differences between India and China should not be allowed to be turned into disputes, says Froeign Secretary Vikram Misri. PM Modi and President Xi shared their perspectives for longer term growth and development of two countries, he says.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "Prime Minister is on a visit to Tianjin for the SCO summit taking place here... Prime Minister's first engagement this morning was a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China. We released a statement on that meeting."

"This is the second meeting between the two leaders in the space of less than a year. Their last meeting was in Kazan in October last year, where they had laid down certain strategic guidelines for the development of bilateral relations and set out certain goals to be achieved by the two sides," says Misri.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday evening attended the official reception of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. He was warmly received by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

At the venue, PM Modi exchanged greetings with President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan before joining fellow world leaders for the traditional group photograph. Russian President Vladimir Putin was also present for the group photo. The formal sessions of the summit are scheduled to begin on September 1. Read more

PM Modi shared photos of his meeting with the leaders of countries attending SCO meet in Tianjin. Posting on X, he wrote, "Delighted to meet Nepal PM Mr. KP Oli in Tianjin. India’s relations with Nepal are deep-rooted and very special."

On Maldives, he wrote, "Interacted with President Muizzu of Maldives on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. India’s developmental cooperation with Maldives is greatly beneficial for our people."

He also met Egypt PM Mostafa Madbouly and wrote, "Fondly recalled my Egypt visit a few years ago. India-Egypt friendship is scaling newer heights of progress!"

Meeting Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, he wrote, "We both are very optimistic about the beneficial opportunities ahead as far as our nations are concerned."

PM Modi also met President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. He wrote, "Always a pleasure to interact with Mr. Emomali Rahmon, the President of Tajikistan. India’s trade and cultural linkages are increasing and this is a wonderful sign."

On Kazakhstan, he wrote, "Productive exchange of views with President Tokayev of Kazakhstan. Our nations are working closely in many key sectors, including energy, security, healthcare and pharma."

Modi in China Live Updates: PM Modi arrives for Official Reception for Heads of States/Heads of Governments at SCO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of Myanmar, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin.

Prime Minister noted that India attaches importance to its ties with Myanmar as part of its Neighbourhood First, Act East and Indo-Pacific policies. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed the way forward on several aspects of bilateral cooperation, including development partnership, defence and security, border management and border trade issues.

Prime Minister expressed the hope that the forthcoming elections in Myanmar will be held in a fair and inclusive manner involving all stakeholders. He underlined that India supports a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process, for which peaceful dialogue and consultation is the only way forward: MEA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit that India will host in 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said. President Xi thanked Prime Minister Modi for the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency. India is preparing to take over the leadership of BRICS from the current president, Brazil. Read more

PM Modi in China Live Updates: 'Agreed on importance of maintaining peace in border areas,' says PM Modi

PM Modi posts on X, "Had a fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. We reviewed the positive momentum in India-China relations since our last meeting in Kazan. We agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas and reaffirmed our commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity."

PM Modi in China Live Updates: PM Modi meets with senior general of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin, India may be looking to leverage the ongoing thaw with Beijing for a series of trade boosts. Read more

PM Modi also met Cai Qi, a Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) member and the director of the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) General Office. According to the MEA, Modi 'shared his vision for the relationship' while Cai promised to expand exchanges 'in line with the leader-level consensus' reached with Xi. Read more

The Congress on Sunday made scathing remarks on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The party attacked the Centre and asked whether the "new normal" is to be defined by Chinese bullying and "government's spinelessness". Read more

PM Modi in China Live Updates: PM Modi meets with Secy of Secretariat of Chinese Communist Party Cai Qi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on the sidelines of SCO Summit. "Building on, and in line with, the leaders' meeting today, they touched on bilateral economic, political and people-to-people exchanges between India and China," wrote MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday that it is the "right choice" for the two countries to be "friends", asserting that the elephant and dragon should dance together for each other’s success. “We both shoulder the historical responsibility of improving the well-being of our two peoples, promoting the solidarity and rejuvenation of developing countries, and propelling the progress of human society,” Xi said.

Meanwhile, speaking at the meeting, Xi said, “It is a great pleasure to meet you again in Tianjin. Welcome to China for the SCO Summit. Last year in Kazan, our successful meeting marked a new beginning for China-India relations. Since then, we have implemented the important consensus we agreed upon, and bilateral exchanges and cooperation have made further progress.”

The highly anticipated bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit concluded after nearly an hour.

Marking a subtle departure from past protocol, EAM Jaishankar did not accompany the Indian delegation, and the leaders exchanged a formal handshake instead of the customary hug. Know how the meeting unfolded.

Further elaborating on the improving ties, PM Modi stated, “An agreement has been reached between our Special Representatives regarding border management. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed. Direct flights between the two countries are also being resumed".

Emphasising the global significance of cooperation between the two Asian powers, the Prime Minister noted, “The interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation. This will also pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity. We are committed to taking our relations forward on the basis of mutual trust, respect and sensitivity.”

PM Modi also congratulated Beijing on its successful chairmanship of the grouping.

“I congratulate you on China's successful chairmanship of the SCO. I thank you for the invitation to visit China and for our meeting today,” PM Modi noted.

PM Modi, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping today on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin, 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".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also arrived in Tianjin this morning to take part in the SCO summit, Global Times reported.

Türkiye, a dialogue partner of the SCO, shares common ground with China on issues such as national development, adherence to international norms, and support for the Global South, the report noted.

China is now Türkiye’s second-largest trading partner and the fastest-growing source of foreign tourists to the country, according to CCTV.

PM Modi, ahead of his visit to Tianjin, underlined the need for India and China to work together to stabilise the global economy. In an interview with Japan’s The Yomiuri Shimbun, he said that a “stable, predictable and amicable” relationship between the two countries would contribute positively to both regional and global peace.

PM Modi’s visit comes less than two weeks after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi travelled to New Delhi for talks with EAM Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

The two sides then announced steps aimed at building a “stable, cooperative and forward-looking” relationship, including maintaining calm along the border, reopening trade routes, and resuming direct flights at the earliest.

The latest outreach follows a series of measures by both countries in recent months to reset ties strained by the deadly Galwan Valley clashes of June 2020.

Russian President Putin has said that the SCO plays a vital role in advancing a “multipolar world order,” highlighting its emphasis on equal cooperation, respect for national uniqueness, and non-confrontational engagement.

In an interview with Xinhua News Agency ahead of the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin, Putin expressed confidence that the forum would enhance members’ ability to address current challenges while fostering solidarity across Eurasia.

“The SCO’s strength lies in its guiding principles—commitment to its founding philosophy, openness to cooperation on equal terms, non-targeting of third parties, and respect for the diversity of nations. These values help shape a fairer multipolar world rooted in international law, with the UN at its core,” Putin said.

The Russian leader noted that the summit, being held from August 31 to September 1, would inject “new momentum” into the SCO. He also underscored the close alignment of Moscow and Beijing, saying their shared views and cooperation would help modernise the organisation to meet contemporary needs.

During his visit, Putin is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the summit.

PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for bilateral talks today against the backdrop of Washington’s tariff measures that have unsettled global markets.

PM Modi, on his first visit to China in seven years, is in Tianjin to attend the two-day SCO summit.

While the summit is his primary engagement, the meeting with Xi assumed added significance amid strains in India–US ties following the Trump administration’s trade policies.

Discussions between PM Modi and Xi were expected to centre on boosting economic cooperation and advancing efforts to normalise relations strained by the eastern Ladakh border row.

Ahead of his trip, PM Modi had underscored that India and China, as major economies, must work together to help bring stability to the global economic order.

During his keynote address at the summit, Xi is expected to outline China’s new vision and proposals for strengthening the SCO, emphasizing the continuation of the “Shanghai Spirit,” meeting contemporary challenges, and addressing public aspirations.

All eyes are on PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Putin as world leaders gather in Tianjin for what China calls the most significant SCO summit in its 24-year history.

For PM Modi, it marks his first China visit since 2018, signaling a cautious thaw in India-China ties after the Galwan clash and underscoring New Delhi’s pushback against U.S. trade pressure.

Putin, meanwhile, is expected to spotlight Moscow’s pivot east and hold key talks with Turkey on Ukraine and Iran on its nuclear program, adding weight to the summit’s geopolitical stakes.

PM Modi in China Live Updates: Russian President Putin arrives in China ahead of SCO Summit | Watch

Russian President Putin arrived in China this morning, beginning a four-day visit that will see him take part in the two-day SCO summit in the northern port city of Tianjin.

On the other hand, PM Modi’s stop in Tianjin follows a trip to Japan, where Tokyo pledged a massive $68 billion investment package for India.

His visit is being closely watched as New Delhi recalibrates ties with Beijing, years after the deadly 2020 border clashes froze high-level engagement.

A tentative thaw began last October when PM Modi and Chinese President Xi met for the first time in five years at a Russia-hosted summit.

Xi began bilateral meetings with visiting leaders on Saturday, holding talks with Cambodia’s Hun Manet and Egyptian premier Moustafa Madbouly.

Russian President Putin is expected to arrive ahead of the summit, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also on the guest list.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also met Xi, stressing the need for stronger multilateralism and reforms to the global financial system.

The SCO summit this year comes amid renewed strains between several member states and the U.S. under President Trump, a backdrop that Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to reference indirectly in his address.

Expectations for major announcements remain low, with analysts noting that while discussions may touch on deeper economic integration, including trade facilitation and development finance, long-standing structural divisions within the bloc are likely to limit progress.

The SCO’s expansion to include Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024 has reinforced perceptions that Beijing and Moscow are steering the body into an explicitly anti-Western bloc.

It has also highlighted the tightening strategic alignment between China, Russia, and Tehran, a development closely watched in Washington.

Formed in 2001 to bolster regional security among China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has since grown in both size and ambition.

The grouping coordinates joint counterterrorism drills, shares intelligence on “terrorism, separatism and extremism,” and increasingly seeks cooperation in areas such as education, energy and trade.

Members also consistently push for what they call a “just” international order, one not dominated by a single superpower and its allies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in Tianjin today for the SCO Summit, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and attended by over 20 world leaders.

In an interview with China’s state news agency Xinhua, Putin said the summit would “strengthen the SCO’s capacity to respond to contemporary challenges and threats” and “help shape a fairer multipolar world order.”