Modi Reaches China for SCO Summit, Set to Meet Xi and Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Tianjin, China, on August 30 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The high-level meeting will run from August 31 to September 1 and will bring together key regional leaders. Modi’s visit gains significance because he will hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Modi Arrives in China After Seven Years
Modi has stepped on Chinese soil for the first time in more than seven years. His arrival highlights a shift in India-China relations after years of tension following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. Since then, both nations have engaged in several rounds of dialogue and confidence-building measures. Moreover, the reopening of direct flights and incremental border de-escalation reflect a gradual thaw in ties.
Bilateral Talks with Xi Jinping
Modi will meet Xi Jinping on August 31 in Tianjin. Both leaders are expected to discuss border stability, economic cooperation, and regional security. The meeting will test whether India and China can push their relationship onto a stable track. In addition, trade issues and multilateral coordination within the SCO framework are likely to feature prominently.
Engagement with Vladimir Putin
Alongside the summit, Modi will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their talks will focus on energy cooperation, defense partnerships, and trade opportunities. Importantly, the Kremlin has already confirmed Putin’s visit to India in December 2025, making this meeting a preparatory step. As a result, the engagement will help both nations strengthen their long-standing strategic ties.
Strategic Importance of the SCO
The SCO provides India with a platform to work closely with China, Russia, and Central Asian countries. The grouping allows member states to coordinate on counterterrorism, economic connectivity, and energy security. For India, participation in the SCO ensures regional presence and balance, especially when global power rivalries are sharpening. Therefore, Modi’s presence signals India’s commitment to active regional diplomacy.
Global Geopolitical Context
Modi’s meetings with Xi and Putin come at a sensitive moment in global politics. The United States has imposed new tariffs on Indian exports and limited imports of Russian oil. This backdrop has pushed India to explore deeper cooperation with both Beijing and Moscow. Furthermore, the summit creates space for India to position itself as a stabilizing force in Eurasia while safeguarding its national interests.