Border peace, SCO Summit and a tentative thaw: 10 key takeaways from Modi–Wang Yi meeting

In a significant diplomatic engagement ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on Tuesday. The discussions, which touched on border stability, bilateral relations, and regional cooperation, signalled a cautious reset in India-China ties after years of tension following the 2020 border clashes.

Here are 10 key takeaways from the meeting:

Border stability at the core: PM Modi reiterated that peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are essential for the broader relationship to move forward.

Xi’s personal outreach: Wang Yi conveyed a message and formal invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping for Modi to attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin.

India confirms participation: PM Modi accepted the invitation, confirming his attendance and expressing support for China’s presidency of the Summit.

Continuity from Kazan: PM Modi noted progress since his meeting with Xi in Kazan last year, highlighting mutual respect and sensitivity as guiding principles for ties.

Push for boundary settlement: PM Modi stressed India’s commitment to a fair and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question.

Dialogue mechanism in focus: Wang briefed PM Modi on the 24th round of Special Representatives’ talks on the boundary issue, co-chaired with NSA Ajit Doval.

Positive diplomatic signals: The Chinese foreign minister shared a favourable assessment of his discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, describing them as constructive.

Cultural exchanges revived: PM Modi welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, describing it as an important bridge of people-to-people contact.

Multilateral cooperation intact: Despite bilateral strains, India extended support for China’s leadership of the SCO, signalling willingness to engage constructively in global forums.

Shared stake in stability: PM Modi underlined that predictable and cooperative ties between Asia’s two largest powers will bolster both regional security and global prosperity.

Resetting the relationship

The meeting underscored a tentative reset in India-China relations. After years of confrontation following the Galwan clashes of 2020, both sides appear willing to reopen channels of political and cultural engagement. PM Modi’s acceptance of Xi’s invitation, the revival of pilgrimage diplomacy, and constructive boundary talks all point to a new phase, one aimed at managing differences while seeking common ground.