Modi’s China trip marks a crucial diplomatic moment as he engages Xi and Putin at the SCO Summit, balancing India’s strategic priorities with regional cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin on Saturday afternoon to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, marking his first visit to China in seven years. The visit follows a brief stop in Tokyo, where he concluded a high-profile Japan tour earlier in the day.
Modi’s aircraft touched down at the Binhai International Airport, where he was welcomed with colour and cheer. Traditional cultural performances and chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” rang out from members of the Indian diaspora, who had gathered in large numbers to greet him. Sharing glimpses of the warm reception, the Prime Minister posted on X: “China’s Indian community accorded a very special welcome in Tianjin.”
In another post, he wrote: “Landed in Tianjin, China. Looking forward to engaging in in-depth discussions during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and meeting with leaders from various countries.”
Packed agenda at the SCO Summit
The SCO Summit, which begins Sunday, is expected to focus on regional stability, counter-terrorism, trade, energy cooperation and cultural linkages across Eurasia. India, a full member of the grouping since 2017, has described itself as an “active and constructive” participant.
Ahead of his departure, Modi underlined India’s role in shaping SCO priorities during its 2022–23 presidency, which emphasised health, innovation and cultural exchange. “India remains committed to working with SCO members to address shared challenges and deepen regional cooperation,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the broader significance of his twin visits to Japan and China, describing them as part of India’s effort to balance national interests while contributing to global peace, security and sustainable development.
Meetings with Xi and Putin on the cards
On the sidelines of the Summit, Modi will hold key bilateral meetings, with special attention on China and Russia. He is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
The Modi–Xi meeting comes at a sensitive juncture. Their last encounter was on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan in 2024, which paved the way for an agreement on joint patrolling across the 3,500-kilometre Line of Actual Control (LAC). That breakthrough brought an end to a four-year-long military standoff and allowed the two sides to explore confidence-building measures.
With Beijing and New Delhi still navigating a fragile thaw, the talks in Tianjin are being closely watched. Analysts suggest the discussions could cover trade barriers, border management, and new areas of regional cooperation within the SCO framework.
Modi’s meeting with Putin will also be significant, particularly amid ongoing global debates over energy security and the fallout of Russia’s war in Ukraine. India has maintained a delicate balance in its ties with Moscow, continuing energy imports while also deepening its partnerships with the West.
India’s place in the SCO
The SCO, established in 2001, has grown into one of the world’s largest regional organisations. Its members include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus. Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status, while 14 other countries, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nepal and the UAE, are dialogue partners.
India’s presence in the bloc underscores its ambition to be seen not just as a South Asian power but also as a key voice in shaping Eurasian security and connectivity. Modi’s engagements over the next two days will likely serve as a test of how effectively New Delhi can balance regional expectations with its own strategic priorities.
