Tianjin, China | August 31, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping today on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. This is Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, making the meeting one of the most significant moments in India-China relations in recent times.
What Was Discussed?
- Trade & Economy – Both leaders talked about boosting economic cooperation and ensuring India’s access to rare earth metals, which are crucial for industries like electronics, defence, and clean energy.
- Border Stability – The 2020 Galwan clash still looms large, but today’s meeting aimed to push forward talks on restoring peace and creating new mechanisms to avoid future conflicts.
- Travel & People-to-People Ties – Discussions were also held on reopening tourism, direct flights, and cultural exchanges to rebuild trust between the two nations.
- Geopolitics – With rising US tariffs on Indian goods and global trade disruptions, New Delhi is looking to strengthen cooperation with China at forums like BRICS and SCO, while carefully balancing its foreign policy.
Why This Meeting Matters
The Modi-Xi meeting is not just another diplomatic event—it could set the tone for the next phase of India-China relations. While no dramatic breakthrough is expected immediately, the fact that both leaders are engaging directly after years of tension signals a willingness to rebuild trust.
FAQs on the Modi-Xi Meeting
Q1. Why is this meeting important?
This is PM Modi’s first visit to China in 7 years. After the 2020 Galwan clash, relations have been tense. The meeting signals a possible reset.
Q2. What issues were discussed?
Trade, rare earth supply, border stability, travel links, and cooperation at international forums like SCO and BRICS.
Q3. Will border tensions be resolved now?
Not immediately. Both sides agreed to continue talks, but a quick resolution is unlikely.
Q4. How does the US factor into this?
With America imposing heavy tariffs on Indian goods, India is exploring closer cooperation with Asian partners, including China, to balance its global strategy.
Q5. What happens next?
More talks are expected. If trust is rebuilt, we may see stronger trade, cultural exchanges, and calmer borders in the future.