A significant return after seven years
India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped into Chinese soil once again, seven years since his last visit, but this time to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. The bold trip comes at a time when India’s diplomatic ties with the US have grown tense in recent times over trade disagreements, making this trip all the more meaningful.
A heartfelt welcome in Tianjin
Arriving in Tianjin, Modi received a warm, ceremonial welcome. He was greeted with a full guard of honor and regaled by “Bharat Mata ki jai” and “Vande Mataram” chants from members of the Indian community in China. Adding to the emotion, Chinese artists, who have spent years mastering Indian classical instruments like the sitar, santoor, and tabla, performed to honor him, offering a touching blend of cultures and camaraderie. Modi also expressed delight over meeting the Indian diaspora in China.
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Opening the SCO Summit
Modi’s visit centered around the annual SCO meeting held from August 31 to September 1. Given that this was his first trip back to China since the border clashes at Galwan, expectations were high. On the summit’s sidelines, he sat down with Chinese President Xi Jinping to seek a path forward from recent strains over border tensions. During their conversation, Modi emphasized that many lives depend on Indian-Chinese cooperation. President Xi responded with a poetic image: “The elephant and the dragon must walk together.” The two presidents reiterated their commitment to resolving border conflicts and improving connections, providing a rare moment of rejuvenation in these trying times.
Highlights of the Modi–Xi bilateral meeting
The Modi–Xi dialogue stood out for its warmth and clarity amid a complex geopolitical environment. Modi declared India’s commitment to improved relations founded on “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.” He reminded everyone that, since last year’s disengagement, peace has held along the Line of Actual Control. One outcome was the resumption of direct flights between the countries and the long-paused Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, which were welcoming steps toward people-to-people connectivity. Xi struck a hopeful note, calling the two countries “development partners, not rivals,” and extending support for India’s upcoming leadership of the BRICS summit in 2026. He even backed India’s role in the SCO and invited Modi to continue collaboration under BRICS. Their tone was one of diplomatic renewal, subtle yet impactful.
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A conversation with President Putin
Modi did not stop at China. He also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their conversation affirmed the deep “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia. They discussed energy, finance, and world events, most notably the steps for easing tensions in Ukraine. Modi welcomed the efforts toward peace and invited Putin to attend the 23rd India–Russia Summit in December. “140 crore Indians are eager to welcome him,” Modi said, reflecting the goodwill between the nations. A momentous gesture finished off their encounter: Modi and Putin sitting side by side in the same car following the SCO procedures, as shared joyfully on X.
A rare trio moment
The most noticeable was the genuine camaraderie between Modi, Xi, and Putin when they gathered on the summit’s sidelines. With welcomes and exchanged grins, their being together represented stability, collaboration, and mutual regard. Modi described it briefly: “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”
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What the SCO Summit achieved
The SCO gathering included a broad representation of its member nations: Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. It also hosted key global figures like the UN Secretary‑General António Guterres and ASEAN Secretary‑General Kao Kim Hourn. The conference ended with the acceptance of the Tianjin Declaration. It made clear pledges on artificial intelligence, reiterating each member’s freedom to explore AI technology while also promising collaboration to handle dangers appropriately. The development of an AI security and accountability roadmap was ongoing. Another key outcome was that the SCO members strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist assault in Pahalgam, offering condolences and urging those guilty to face justice.
Modi’s core message: Sovereignty, Security, and Partnership
In his speech to the SCO assembly, Modi did not mince words. He applauded the solidarity shown when the Pahalgam atrocity occurred. He urged SCO nations to reject all forms of double standards in fighting terrorism. His message was layered: peace, partnership, and progress must not compromise sovereignty or security. He further outlined India’s regional vision, anchored by robust sovereignty, unshakeable security, and connectivity that advances all nations fairly. This balance, he suggested, is the way to collective, sustainable progress.
Establishing an SCO Development Bank
Behind closed doors, discussions advanced on a long-anticipated proposal: to establish an SCO development bank as an alternative to systems dominated by the US dollar. China, already the largest stakeholder in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, pledged around 2 billion yuan in assistance this year and another 10 billion yuan in loans over the next three years to SCO members. This initiative signals an interest in reshaping regional economic architecture.
Smoothing bilateral relations
In a larger sense, Modi’s China visit signaled thawing tensions. Modi’s first meeting with Xi on Chinese territory in years showcased a shift from standoff to collaboration. Both leaders agreed that the two countries should see each other as partners working toward resolving longstanding challenges, not adversaries.
Wrapping up a positive visit
When his stay concluded on Monday, Modi called it a “productive” trip. He thanked Xi, the Chinese government, and the people for the smooth organization of the summit. He reaffirmed India’s perspective in front of global leaders and restated the need to fight terrorism without prejudice. On social media, he summed it up: “Concluding a productive visit to China, where I attended the SCO Summit and interacted with various world leaders. Also emphasized India’s stand on key global issues.”
