PM Modi, Xi Jinping Meet in Tianjin Ahead of SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to improve strained India-China relations following the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. Their talks focused on stabilizing ties, reviewing economic cooperation, and confidence-building measures along the disputed border, marking Modi's first visit to China in seven years. Modi emphasized the global importance of India-China cooperation amid economic volatility, highlighting the need for both countries to work together to stabilize the world economic order. This meeting also provided Modi an opportunity to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reflecting shifting geopolitical dynamics as US-imposed tariffs on India following its purchase of Russian oil have strained India-US relations. The SCO summit includes leaders from multiple countries, with significant diplomatic activity including Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attending the summit and holding bilateral meetings. The evolving India-China dialogue is seen as part of a broader regional realignment against the backdrop of growing US-China tensions and efforts by the US to counter China through alliances such as the Quad.