China Welcomes PM Modi’s Visit for SCO Tianjin Summit, Eyes Stronger India-China Ties

August 8, 2025 MTIMES 50 Views India, India-China Relations, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Ladakh border standoff, Modi Xi Jinping meeting, PM Modi SCO Tianjin Summit, SCO leaders meeting, SCO Summit 2025, Tianjin SCO summit 2 min read

China on Friday extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his expected visit to attend the PM Modi SCO Tianjin Summit later this month. Beijing described the upcoming event as a platform for “solidarity, friendship, and fruitful results,” expressing optimism about its potential to boost regional cooperation and strengthen India-China relations.

The summit, scheduled from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, will mark Modi’s first visit to China in over seven years. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed Beijing’s readiness to host the Indian leader, saying the meeting would be “a gathering of solidarity and dynamism” as the SCO enters a new phase of high-quality development.

PM Modi SCO Tianjin Summit to Host Record Delegation

According to Chinese officials, leaders from over 20 countries — including all SCO member states and heads of 10 international organisations — will attend the summit, making it the largest SCO gathering since its inception. Modi last visited China in June 2018 for the SCO summit, while Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India in 2019. However, bilateral ties soured following the eastern Ladakh border standoff in 2020.

India-China Relations Show Signs of Recovery

The eastern Ladakh military standoff, which began in May 2020 and escalated with the Galwan Valley clash, significantly strained ties. The situation improved after the disengagement process from Demchok and Depsang was completed under an October 2024 agreement.

In recent months, both countries have revived the Special Representative dialogue on the boundary issue and restarted multiple bilateral mechanisms, following a meeting between Modi and Xi in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. Positive developments since then include the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, India restarting tourist visas for Chinese nationals, and discussions on restoring direct flights.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval have also visited China in recent months for SCO-related engagements, signalling a gradual thaw in relations.

Get Latest News Live on MTIMES along with Breaking News and Top Headlines, Political News and around The World.