Modi’s SCO Summit arrived in China Brings Fresh Diplomatic Momentum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025. This is his first visit to China since 2018 and comes five years after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. His arrival has drawn worldwide attention because it could reshape relations between India and China, two of the biggest players in Asia.

Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, welcomed Modi warmly, saying the visit will bring “new momentum” to relations. The phrase quickly became the central theme of the summit. Both countries, after years of tension, now seem to be moving toward dialogue and cooperation.

Key meetings with world leaders on the sidelines

The SCO Summit is not only about speeches and declarations. Leaders use this platform to hold important one-to-one meetings.

Modi is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. This face-to-face meeting is expected to cover border management, trade relations, and ways to reduce tensions. Both sides know that peace along the border is crucial for progress in trade and regional security.

Another major meeting will be with Russian President Vladimir Putin. India has kept strong relations with Russia, especially in defense and energy sectors. At a time when the West is putting pressure on Moscow, this meeting underlines India’s independent foreign policy.

Modi is also expected to interact with other leaders from Iran, Central Asia, and Pakistan during the summit. These talks are important because the SCO covers almost half of the world’s population and connects several energy-rich regions.

Why this SCO Summit matters more than before

This year’s summit is different. It comes at a time when India’s trade relations with the United States are under stress. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Indian goods up to 50 percent in some cases.

The U.S. move targeted India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. It left New Delhi in a difficult position, balancing energy security with international politics. For India, the SCO offers a platform to counterbalance pressure from the West and strengthen ties with regional partners.

This is why Modi’s visit is not just a routine diplomatic trip. It is a strategic move to protect India’s global interests, especially in energy and trade.

From conflict to cooperation: India and China restart talks

The Galwan Valley clash in 2020 created one of the worst crises between India and China in decades. The deadly conflict froze relations and brought military buildup at the borders. For years, there was little progress.

But in the past year, both sides have taken small but visible steps to repair ties:

• Trade routes have reopened through Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La, and Nathu La.
• Border talks in Delhi produced a 10-point plan to manage disputes.
• Religious and cultural exchanges like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra were resumed.

These moves show a willingness to rebuild trust. Modi’s presence in China adds more weight to these efforts. If talks with Xi Jinping go well, it may lead to a larger roadmap for long-term peace.

Energy, economy, and rare earths on the table

One major focus of Modi’s meeting with Xi is expected to be economic cooperation. Despite differences, China remains one of India’s largest trading partners. The two countries together account for a big share of Asia’s economy.

Topics likely to be discussed include:

Rare earth minerals: essential for electronics, renewable energy, and defense technology.

Infrastructure partnerships: exploring ways India and China could cooperate without increasing dependency.

Balanced trade: addressing India’s trade deficit with China.

At the same time, Modi’s talks with Putin will cover oil, gas, and defense supplies. With U.S. tariffs creating uncertainty, Russia is becoming even more critical for India’s energy security.

SCO Summit as a global stage

The SCO Summit itself is one of the largest regional gatherings. Leaders from Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian countries are all attending. In total, the SCO represents almost half of humanity and a quarter of global GDP.

China, as host, is pushing for a Tianjin Declaration and a ten-year development strategy for the SCO. The focus will be on security, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity.

• For India, being active in the SCO allows it to:
• Build stronger ties with Central Asia.
• Gain access to energy projects.
• Balance relations with both China and Russia while keeping its independence.

The bigger picture: Global power shifts

What makes this summit even more important is the changing balance of global power. With the U.S. adopting a tough stance on trade, countries like India are looking at alternative groupings.

China is using this opportunity to show itself as a leader of the Global South. Russia is seeking new partners as it faces sanctions from the West. India, positioned between East and West, is playing a balancing role.

Modi’s meetings in Tianjin could therefore have an impact not only on India-China ties but also on India’s role in a multipolar world.

Symbolism and people’s diplomacy

Alongside official meetings, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community in China. Cultural programs, songs, and dance performances highlighted the shared civilizational ties between the two countries.

These cultural exchanges matter. They remind people that beyond politics and disputes, India and China share thousands of years of history, from Buddhism to trade on the Silk Road. Such people-to-people connections can help soften hard political disagreements.

Challenges ahead: cautious optimism

While the visit has raised hopes, challenges remain. The border dispute is not fully resolved. Deep mistrust continues between the militaries. The trade gap between India and China is still wide.

Analysts warn that even though the optics are positive, real breakthroughs will take time. Both countries may cooperate in trade and culture, but strategic rivalry in Asia will continue.

However, the fact that dialogue has restarted is itself a big step forward. In diplomacy, engagement is always better than silence

A visit that could redefine ties

Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the SCO Summit in Tianjin is more than a diplomatic trip. It is about reshaping India’s position in a fast-changing world.

• With the U.S. turning protectionist, India needs new partners.
• With China, it must manage borders but also find common ground.
• With Russia, it seeks energy security and defense cooperation.

This visit has opened the door for new conversations, new partnerships, and possibly a new chapter in India-China relations. Whether this momentum lasts will depend on the seriousness of follow-up actions from both sides.

But for now, the message is clear: Asia’s two largest powers are talking again, and the world is watching closely.