China has warmly welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, to be held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025. This highly anticipated visit marks Modi’s first trip to China since 2019 and comes at a moment of significant shifts in the global diplomatic landscape.
A Gathering of Friendship and Solidarity
Chinese officials have described the Tianjin Summit as the largest in the SCO’s history, with leaders from over 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations expected to attend. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called it a “gathering of solidarity, friendship, and fruitful results,” expressing hopes that the event would usher the SCO into a new era of “greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism, and productiveness”.
Closer Ties Amid Global Turbulence
The summit occurs as both India and China navigate growing tensions with the United States, particularly regarding tariffs and ongoing energy trade with Russia. Modi’s participation underscores India’s commitment to regional multilateralism and strategic autonomy, emphasizing engagement over confrontation even amid unresolved bilateral issues.
At the summit, member states are expected to discuss:
– Regional security and counterterrorism cooperation.
– Economic integration and digital economy initiatives.
– Trade, sustainable development, and connectivity across the Eurasian region.
Modi’s visit also opens possibilities for direct dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, furthering bilateral normalization efforts and potentially easing tensions along the shared border.
China’s invitation and India’s acceptance signal a mutual desire to keep dialogue open and strengthen regional cooperation through the SCO, even as both nations seek to balance their broader global interests. As the world watches, the summit in Tianjin could shape the trajectory of India-China relations and the broader Eurasian order for years to come.
About the Author
