TIANJIN: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a bilateral meeting in Tianjin on Sunday, marking Modi’s first visit to China in seven years. The talks coincide with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where leaders from Russia, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East have gathered in a powerful display of Global South unity.
The meeting comes just days after Washington imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. Analysts say Xi and Modi are seeking to present a common front against Western economic pressure while cautiously rebuilding their fractured ties.
Relations have gradually thawed since October’s breakthrough border deal, with recent agreements on resuming direct flights, lifting export curbs, and easing visa restrictions. China has also allowed Indian pilgrims to visit Buddhist sites in Tibet. Both governments are framing this meeting as a step toward redefining equilibrium in their relationship, with trade, investment, and border management expected to dominate the agenda.
