New Delhi: In a move seen as a potential thaw in strained Indo-China relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. This will be PM Modi's first visit to China since the deadly Galwan Valley clash of 2020, marking a significant diplomatic moment in the recalibration of ties between the two Asian giants.
Modi's last visit to China dates back to 2019. However, he did engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024, where both leaders reportedly discussed ways to ease border tensions. That dialogue had led to the resumption of the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra and some de-escalation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The timing of the visit is critical. It comes against the backdrop of rising global geopolitical tension from escalating US tariffs under President Donald Trump to pressure on India over its continued oil imports from Russia. As New Delhi navigates these turbulent waters, engaging with Beijing may serve as a strategic counterbalance to American assertiveness.
However, the complexities of the India-China dynamic remain. China's unwavering support for Pakistan continues to cast a shadow on bilateral ties, especially following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. India was deeply irked when a joint statement at the June SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting failed to mention the attack a move allegedly influenced by Pakistan prompting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to refuse to endorse the statement.
Interestingly, in a rare alignment with Indian concerns, China later condemned the Pahalgam attack. In July, Beijing supported the US designation of The Resistance Front a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba as a foreign terrorist organisation. "China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, calling for increased regional counterterrorism collaboration.
The Tianjin summit is expected to host leaders from all 10 SCO member countries India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Key agenda items will include regional security, trade, terrorism, and mechanisms to enhance multilateral cooperation.
Speculation is rife about potential bilateral meetings on the sidelines, especially between PM Modi and Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. A trilateral conversation could address broader regional issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Afghanistan situation, and the Indo-Pacific balance.
For India, the summit offers an opportunity to reinforce its role as a stabilizing force in Eurasia, without compromising on its core interests. While border issues with China remain unresolved, the SCO platform might provide a diplomatic avenue to sustain dialogue and avoid further deterioration.
Established in 2001, the SCO has grown into a key multilateral group aimed at promoting regional peace and cooperation. With Modi's upcoming visit, the stage is set for what could be a cautious but important step toward reshaping India-China ties in a shifting global order.