Sun Aug 31 12:32:27 UTC 2025: **India and China Pledge Cooperation Amid Global Tensions; Domestic Concerns Mount**

**Tianjin, China – August 31, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met today on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, pledging to work towards a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable” resolution to their long-standing border dispute and to stabilize global trade amid rising protectionism. Both leaders emphasized that India and China are development partners, not rivals. They also agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties.

The meeting comes as India faces both domestic and international pressures. On the international front, the Modi government is formulating an action plan in response to tariffs imposed by the United States. On the domestic front, the Congress party has criticized the Modi government’s approach to China, questioning if it legitimizes Chinese territorial aggression.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India plans to issue new voter identity cards in Bihar following electoral roll revisions. Prime Minister Modi also urged citizens to embrace “swadeshi” products, emphasizing “vocal for local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in his Mann Ki Baat address.

In other news:

* **Weather Woes:** Chennai experienced a cloudburst with record rainfall in Manali and surrounding areas. The IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall for India in September.
* **Political Controversy:** Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra faces charges in Chhattisgarh for alleged remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
* **Ethanol Fuel Challenge:** The Supreme Court will hear a plea challenging the nationwide rollout of 20% Ethanol Blended Petrol.
* **Air India Incident:** An Air India flight to Indore returned to its origin shortly after takeoff due to a fire indication in the right engine.
* **Maratha Quota Protest:** Activist Manoj Jarange’s hunger strike for Maratha quota continues.
* **International Tensions:** The Israeli Army conducted a strike on a Hezbollah site in southern Lebanon. Russia and China have announced they are against discriminatory sanctions.

Read More