China Welcomes Modi’s Visit for SCO Summit

NEW DELHI/TIANJIN – August 9, 2025 China has extended a warm welcome to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his planned visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1. The trip, if confirmed, would be Modi’s first to China in seven years.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday, “We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results.”

A Rare High-Level Engagement

The summit is expected to be one of the largest in the SCO’s history, with leaders from over 20 countries and representatives from 10 international organisations scheduled to attend.

Indian media outlets first reported the planned visit earlier this week, noting its significance amid complex global politics and recent shifts in India-China relations.

The Global Times, a Chinese state-affiliated newspaper, called the visit a “favourable opportunity” to build on the positive momentum between the two neighbours.

Relations Warm After Years of Tension

Following a tense period after the 2020 border clash, relations between India and China had cooled, impacting political trust, trade, and cultural exchanges.

However, a meeting between Modi and Chinese leaders in Kazan last October set a new tone for cooperation. Both sides have since worked on reviving suspended bilateral mechanisms and enhancing dialogue.

“China and India are each other’s development opportunity rather than threat,” both countries have reiterated, according to Chinese media.

Steps Towards Normalisation

In recent months, India’s top officials including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have visited China. These visits focused on trade, security, and cross-border understanding.

Cultural exchanges have also resumed, including Indian pilgrimages to Mount Gang Rinpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in Tibet, and the reinstatement of Chinese tourist visas for travel to India.

Strategic Importance

Together, India and China represent more than one-third of the world’s population and are among the fastest-growing major economies. Observers note that renewed engagement between the two could have significant geopolitical and economic consequences.

The SCO summit in Tianjin will serve as a platform for dialogue not only between China and India but also among other major players in the region.

“If Modi visits China this time, it will present another favourable opportunity to consolidate the positive momentum in China-India relations,” Global Times said.


Fact Box – Quick Reference