Sun Aug 31 03:08:12 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Modi and Xi Meet in Tianjin, Signal Thaw in India-China Relations**

**Tianjin, China – August 31, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks in Tianjin today, marking a significant step towards normalizing relations strained in recent years. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, saw both leaders express a commitment to building mutual trust and respect.

Prime Minister Modi announced the resumption of direct flights between India and China, a move widely seen as a sign of improving ties. He emphasized the importance of peace and stability along the border following last year’s disengagement process. Modi highlighted the mutual interests of the two nations, stating that cooperation between them would benefit 2.8 billion people and serve humanity.

President Xi echoed Modi’s sentiment, emphasizing the strategic importance of a strong relationship between the two “civilizational countries.” He called for both nations to uphold multilateralism and work together for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of growing global trade tensions, and is expected to also cover economic ties.

This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to China since 2018 and his first in-person attendance at the SCO Summit in three years. In addition to President Xi, Modi is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and several other world leaders attending the summit.

**Other Key Developments at the SCO Summit:**

* Chinese President Xi Jinping and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Armenia.
* Nepal’s Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli raised concerns about the India-China border trade agreement through the Lipu Lekh Pass.
* Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is also in attendance, potentially setting the stage for a first face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Modi since the Pahalgam terror attacks.
* Russian President Vladimir Putin is advocating for the SCO as an organization for shaping a multipolar world order.

Read More