Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that it is the “right choice” for India and China to be friends, as he welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin. The two leaders met for over 50 minutes, marking Modi’s first visit to China in seven years.
In his opening remarks, Xi referred to India and China as ancient civilizations and global powers with shared responsibilities. “We are the world’s two most populous countries, and important members of the Global South. It is the right choice for both countries to be good friends with amicable ties, partners who enable each other’s success, and to have the dragon and the elephant come together,” he said.
Xi reminded that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations. He urged both countries to view their relationship strategically and long-term, to uphold multilateralism, and to work together in shaping a multipolar world. He emphasized cooperation for peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond, according to Indian news agencies.
PM Modi, in his remarks, underlined his commitment to advancing ties on the basis of “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.” Referring to last year’s meeting in Kazan, he said the discussions gave “a positive direction” to bilateral relations. Modi also highlighted the importance of peace following border disengagement, noting that “an atmosphere of stability has been created.”
Modi pointed to practical steps in reconnecting people, mentioning the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights between India and China. “The interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation. This will also pave the way for the welfare of humanity,” he added.
The bilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the SCO summit, which began today with participation from over 20 foreign leaders and 10 international organizations. Xi will chair the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO and the “SCO Plus” session, where he is expected to deliver keynote addresses.
Besides India and China, the SCO comprises Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, with 16 more countries participating as observers or dialogue partners. The forum has emerged as a key platform for security, economic, and political cooperation in Eurasia.
This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to China since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which strained bilateral ties. The timing of the visit is seen as significant, especially amid ongoing trade tensions between Beijing and Washington and India’s expanding global partnerships.
Analysts view the meeting as an attempt by both sides to stabilize relations while acknowledging differences. The emphasis on friendship and cooperation is being interpreted as a message not only to domestic audiences but also to the wider international community.
Whether this meeting marks a turning point in India-China relations remains to be seen. Both leaders highlighted peace, prosperity, and cooperation, but longstanding disputes, particularly along the border, continue to test ties. Still, the tone set in Tianjin suggests both nations may be exploring cautious steps toward rapprochement.
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