Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Sunday, marking a renewed phase of engagement between the two Asian giants.
Both leaders earlier held one-on-one talks where they pledged to improve ties, expand trade and boost investment links against the backdrop of fresh US tariff pressures.
At the official reception, Xi underlined that the SCO now carries “greater responsibilities” in safeguarding peace, stability, and development across the region. Modi’s presence in China—the first in seven years—underscored the significance of the summit, which also saw Russian President Vladimir Putin and several Global South leaders in attendance.
The meeting comes days after Washington slapped 50% tariffs on Indian goods following New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. Analysts suggest this has pushed New Delhi and Beijing closer together in resisting Western pressures.
Modi emphasized that India and China’s relationship should be built on “mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities,” and not be shaped by a third country’s outlook. He also noted progress on managing their disputed Himalayan border, which witnessed deadly clashes in 2020.
Both nations announced resumption of direct flights, while Beijing agreed to lift export restrictions on key commodities like rare earths, fertilizers, and tunnel boring machines. China also voiced firm opposition to US tariffs on India, vowing to stand with New Delhi.
Experts believe the two sides are now engaged in a long and delicate process of shaping a new equilibrium in bilateral ties.