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PM Modi to Visit China for SCO Summit from Aug 31
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1, 2025. This marks Modi’s first visit to China since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which had strained India-China relations.
Bilateral and Regional Agenda
During the summit, Modi is likely to engage in bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Discussions may cover terrorism, regional stability, trade ties, and the ongoing border disengagement process. India’s focus will also be on safeguarding its economic and strategic interests within the SCO framework.
Diplomatic Outreach Beyond China
Before arriving in China, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Japan on August 30 for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This back-to-back diplomacy highlights India’s intent to balance ties across Asia amid shifting regional alignments.
Recent Geopolitical Tensions in Context
Modi’s trip comes at a time when India is navigating multiple foreign policy challenges, including increased tariffs from the United States and criticism over its ongoing energy imports from Russia. India had also boycotted the joint declaration at the previous SCO summit due to the omission of references to terrorism, specifically the Pahalgam terror attack.
Why This Visit Matters
The visit could serve as a step toward resetting India-China relations after years of military and diplomatic standoff. Experts suggest the summit will offer an opportunity for both sides to manage differences while exploring new areas of cooperation in Central Asia and beyond.
India’s participation in the SCO summit also reaffirms its commitment to multilateral engagement in regional security, connectivity, and economic development.
