Modi holds talks with Xi on trade and border matters at SCO summit after years
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin during the SCO summit, marking his first visit to China in seven years, as both leaders discussed trade, border issues, and broader cooperation amid rising Global South solidarity.
The meeting follows heightened tensions after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods due to New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases. Modi’s last meeting with Xi was in Russia last year, and analysts note that both leaders aim to present a united stance against Western pressure.
Beijing and New Delhi are cautiously rebuilding relations following a breakthrough last October that resolved some border patrol disputes stemming from deadly 2020 clashes. In recent weeks, ties have improved as India seeks to mitigate U.S. tariff pressure while maintaining good relations with China and Russia.
China recently agreed to resume direct flights to India and lift export restrictions on rare earths, fertilisers, and tunnel-boring equipment. The Chinese ambassador to India confirmed Beijing’s support against U.S. tariffs.
On the border front, India and China have eased visa restrictions and allowed Indian pilgrims to visit Tibetan Buddhist sites. Analysts describe the process of establishing a “new equilibrium” as ongoing, with Modi-Xi talks expected to cover trade, investment, flight connectivity, border security, and terrorism concerns following recent attacks in Indian Kashmir.
