Tianjin, August 31, 2025 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening ties with Beijing, telling Chinese President Xi Jinping that relations must progress “on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities.”
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, marking Modi’s first visit to China in seven years. The two leaders’ talks come at a sensitive moment, just days after Washington imposed steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Analysts say Modi and Xi sought to project a united front amid rising Western economic pressure.
Modi noted that an “atmosphere of peace and stability” had been established along the disputed Himalayan border, where a deadly 2020 clash derailed most areas of bilateral cooperation. He said an agreement had been reached on border management, though details were not disclosed.
The Indian premier also announced the resumption of direct flights between both countries, suspended since 2020, and welcomed recent Chinese moves to lift curbs on exports of rare earths, fertilizers, and tunnel boring machines. Earlier this month, during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India, Beijing also allowed Indian pilgrims access to Buddhist sites in Tibet and lifted reciprocal visa restrictions.
China, which has openly opposed Washington’s new tariffs, pledged to “stand firmly with India,” according to its ambassador in New Delhi. Experts say both sides are engaged in “a lengthy and fraught process of defining a new equilibrium” in ties, balancing cooperation with lingering mistrust.
