India's Misri: Xi made 4 suggestions to deepen relationship

India's Misri: Xi made 4 suggestions to deepen relationship

In a significant shift in India's foreign policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed commitment to improving bilateral ties with China, despite the United States imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods. This move comes as Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, for the first time in seven years [1].

During their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of mutual respect, trust, and sensitivity in their relationship. Modi noted that the welfare of 2.8 billion people is closely linked to India-China bilateral cooperation [2]. This sentiment was echoed by Xi, who pledged to resolve border differences and bolster cooperation, emphasizing that economic development should be the primary focus [1].

The meeting also saw Modi and Xi agree on the resumption of direct flights between India and China, a key step toward restoring normal travel and business links between the two countries. This move follows a period of strained relations after the 2020 border clash [2].

The SCO summit, which China is hosting this year, is the first since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House. The organization, which includes China, India, and Russia among its members, is seen as an alternative to the NATO military alliance, promoting a new type of international relations [1].

The SCO summit, which began on Sunday, is expected to focus on regional cooperation and security. The organization's members represent 42% of the global population and control a significant portion of global resources, including oil and gas reserves [1].

In the backdrop of the US-China trade war and the recent tariffs imposed on India, Modi's visit to China signals a strategic shift in India's foreign policy. The move is seen as a response to the US's use of India as a counterweight against China, with Modi indicating that the days of such a strategy may be over [1].

References:

[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/31/india-committed-to-improving-ties-with-china-modi-tells-xi-before-sco-meet
[2] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-xi-jinping-bilateral-talks-india-china-relations-border-disengagement-us-tariff-war-trump-101756616777345.html