PM Modi’s Tianjin Visit to Boost India-China Relations and Strengthen SCO: Chinese Envoy

In a significant diplomatic development, China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, has called Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit “very important” for both India–China ties and the broader goals of the SCO. The summit, scheduled for August 31 to September 1, is expected to bring together over 20 global leaders in what many analysts see as a symbolic show of Global South unity.

Speaking to the media in New Delhi, Ambassador Xu emphasized that the visit would inject “fresh impetus” into the complex bilateral relationship, which has been gradually recovering from recent border tensions. He highlighted the efforts by both nations to work together constructively, especially following the 24th round of Special Representative-level border talks.

A key outcome of those talks was a ten-point consensus, including the formation of two working groups: one focused on identifying early harvest solutions in border delimitation, and another on strengthening border management. Xu noted that both governments have been actively preparing for the summit through coordinated joint working groups, underlining a shared commitment to dialogue and de-escalation.

“China and India are partners, not rivals,” Xu said, calling for increased cooperation and mutual understanding. He further stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges, welcoming the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressing optimism about making cross-border travel easier. “We should visit each other like relatives,” he added, signaling China’s intent to rebuild trust at multiple levels.

The timing of Modi’s visit is particularly significant. In recent statements, the Indian Prime Minister acknowledged “steady progress” in ties with China since his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October 2024. He emphasized that stable and predictable relations between the two nations are critical for regional and global peace.

As China looks to assert its influence through multilateral platforms like the SCO—especially amid rising tensions with the West—the presence of leaders like Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to project a powerful message of South-South cooperation.

With cautious optimism on both sides and the SCO Summit offering a diplomatic stage, PM Modi’s Tianjin visit could mark a new chapter in India–China relations—grounded in pragmatism, dialogue, and mutual strategic interests.