Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, August 31, in Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. This marked the first bilateral meeting between the two leaders in China since 2018, focusing on border management and regional cooperation.

During the 40-minute discussion, Modi highlighted progress in managing tensions along the India-China border. He informed Xi that both sides have agreed on measures for effective border management and that direct flights between the two countries are being resumed.

The meeting reflects a gradual thaw in ties following last year’s Kazan discussions, which initiated steps to ease friction after years of strained relations following the Ladakh standoff. Modi described the current environment along the border as a “peaceful atmosphere,” signaling cautious optimism.

The encounter took place amid global trade tensions driven by US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, which have impacted India, China, and Russia. Analysts view the SCO Summit as a platform for the bloc to demonstrate unity in addressing external economic challenges.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar did not accompany Modi; instead, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval joined the talks. Prior to meeting Modi, Xi held separate bilateral meetings with leaders from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the Maldives. Russian President Vladimir Putin and other regional leaders also attended the summit, making it a key moment for India-China engagement.

Experts noted that while the border issue requires long-term trust rather than quick resolutions, the meeting opens possibilities for cooperation in economic activities and people-to-people exchanges between India and China.