PM Modi China visit Highlights: First pic from SCO shows PM Modi in front row, Putin next to Xi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit India during the BRICS Summit in 2026, with the latter thanking the former for his invitation and offering his full support to New Delhi for its Presidency, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday following a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. Read the full story here. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (August 31) met with Cai Qi, a top leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and a close ally of President Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The talks focused on strengthening India-China cooperation, deepening political engagement, and exploring new pathways of partnership. Read full story here 

"Had a fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. We reviewed the positive momentum in India-China relations since our last meeting in Kazan. We agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas and reaffirmed our commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity," posted PM Modi on X. 

During the SCO meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. "Glad to have met President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus. We both are very optimistic about the beneficial opportunities ahead as far as our nations are concerned," PM Modi posted on X. 

During the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon. "Always a pleasure to interact with Mr. Emomali Rahmon, the President of Tajikistan. India's trade and cultural linkages are increasing, and this is a wonderful sign," PM Modi posted on X. 

"India-China relations should not be seen through a third country lens," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his meeting with President Xi Jinping. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the SCO meet, was seen in the front row, while Russian President Vladimir Putin was standing next to Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for Official Reception for Heads of States/Heads of Governments at SCO in Tianjin, China.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on August 31st in Tianjin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, their first bilateral meeting in China in seven years. The meeting comes at a time when both countries are facing economic heat from US President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff moves. During the meeting, the leaders stressed strategic autonomy, cooperation over rivalry, and the need to insulate bilateral relations from border tensions and third-party pressures. Read full story here. 

PM Modi also met Cai Qi, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. "Prime Minister shared with Mr. Cai his vision for bilateral relations and sought his support to realize the vision of the two leaders. Mr. Cai reiterated the Chinese side's desire to expand bilateral exchanges and further improve relations in line with the consensus reached between the two leaders," the MEA said.

The two leaders also highlighted that the resumption of direct flights and the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is crucial to strengthening the bilateral ties between India and China. During the meeting, PM Modi also cautioned that the India-China relationship shouldn't be seen through a third country lens, though, the MEA said. "The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms," the MEA said, adding that PM Modi expressed support for China's Presidency of the SCO. 

Tianjin, China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a meeting with Min Aung Hlaing, Senior General of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

PM Modi says, "Had a fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. We reviewed the positive momentum in India-China relations since our last meeting in Kazan. We agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas and reaffirmed our commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit India during the BRICS Summit in 2026, with the latter thanking the former for his invitation and offering his full support to New Delhi for its Presidency, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday following a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. Click here to read more.

According to sources, PM Modi raised the issue of terrorism during his meeting with President Xi Jinping

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said: "The sustained improvement and growth of bilateral relations have not come easily and should be cherished. China-India relations have their own historical logic and internal driving force; their relationship does not target any third party, nor should it be disrupted by any third party. The two sides should build mutual trust rather than suspicion, pursue cooperation rather than competition, and help each other succeed rather than engage in mutual attrition. China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, demonstrate the strategic vision as major emerging developing countries, consistently enhance political mutual trust, meet each other halfway to expand exchanges and cooperation, address contradictions and differences from a broader perspective, strengthen coordination and collaboration in multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-India relations."

Ministry of External Affairs says, "On economic and trade relations, they recognized the role of their two economies to stabilize world trade. They underlined the need to proceed from a political and strategic direction to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce trade deficit."

Ministry of External Affairs says, "Prime Minister noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens. The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms."

PM Modi and Xi Jinping "reaffirmed that the two countries were development partners and not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes. A stable relationship and cooperation between India and China and their 2.8 billion peoples on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity are necessary for the growth and development of the two countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multi-polar Asia befitting the trends of the 21st century," says Ministry of External Affairs. 

The Prime Minister expressed support for China's Presidency of the SCO and the Summit in Tianjin. He also invited President Xi to the BRICS Summit that India will be hosting in 2026. President Xi thanked Prime Minister for the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency, says Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

PM Modi's first visit to China comes amid efforts by the two sides to repair the bilateral ties that came under severe strain following the deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. Click here to read more.

On PM Modi's meeting with China's Xi Jinping, China Brit Newsletter founder Shen Shiwei says, "Modi-Xi meeting has given good momentum for India-China bilateral ties."

On PM Modi's China visit, JD-U leader KC Tyagi says, "We share the longest border with China, so we should continue our relationship with peace and mutual understanding."

Tianjin, China: A Hindi-speaking Chinese journalist, Zhang Xiao (Hindi name - Anjali) says, "...We are neighbouring nations and leading developing countries of the world. We are two of the largest economies. So, our trade cooperation is immense...So, the opportunities are immense. We should not have tensions between us. We should join hands and work together...I think China's high technology is well-known across the world. We can cooperate on this."

Tianjin, China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a meeting with Cai Qi, Secretary of the Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party.

PM Modi's visit to China is crucial as it comes at a time when New Delhi is facing constant pressure from the US for buying Russian crude. The Trump administration has also imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India for this and has been constantly criticising New Delhi for 'fueling' the war in Ukraine that began in February 2022. Click here to read more.

On PM Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Congress leader Udit Raj says, "A bigger meeting was held in Ahmedabad. Let’s see what the outcome is. PM Modi has been roaming for 11 years and getting awards for himself, but the country is not being rewarded. No one stood with us during the Pulwama attack. China and India are civilisational nations; we must have good relations."

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised that it is important for India and China to "come together" and "be friends" in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks to reset the bilateral relations. Click here to read more.

Congratulating Xi Jinping for successfully organising the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that India is committed to improving ties with China, as he met the Chinese President in Tianjin. Click here to read more.

In his opening remarks during delegation-level talks with PM Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping says, "The World is going towards transformation. China and India are two of the most civilizational countries. We are the world's two most populous countries and part of the Global South... It is vital to be friends, a good neighbour, and the Dragon and the Elephant to come together..."

The meeting between PM Modi and China's Jinping lasted for 55 minutes. 

The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded.

During his meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, PM Modi says, "We are determined to take our relationship forward based on mutual trust, respect and sensitivity. We extend our best wishes for the successful hosting of the SCO Summit, and I thank you for the invitation for this visit and this meeting."

During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, PM Modi says, "Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed. Direct flights are also being started between the two countries. With cooperation between our nations, the interests of 2.8 billion people are associated - this is needed for humanity."

I congratulate you, Mr Excellency, on the success of the SCO Summit, says PM Modi in his meeting with President Xi Jinping.

We are committed to improving ties between India and China, says PM Modi during his meeting with President Xi Jinping.

The two countries would soon start direct flights, says PM Modi during his meeting with China's Xi Jinping

We had a meaningful discussion in Kazan last year. There was peace on the borders during the disengagement process, says PM Modi during his meeting with Xi Jinping.

The meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is underway in Tianjin.

The crucial meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has started in China.

On NaftoRynok report showing that India has become Ukraine's largest diesel supplier in July, US Journalist and Political Commentator Rick Sanchez says, "It's funny. I was reading the same report and I was aghast... A new brouhaha is going on in Europe, where Hungary PM Orbán is angry with Zelenskyy for blowing up the Druzhba pipeline that goes from Russia... This is dumb. He actually blew up a pipeline thinking he wanted to hurt his neighbors, but this is now causing an escalation between him and Hungary. But this same pipeline fed fuel to his own people too. You can't make this stuff up."

Tianjin, China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO) from August 31 to September 1. Inside visuals of the International Media Centre at the venue of the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO), in Tianjin.

On PM Narendra Modi's meet with President Xi Jinping, US Journalist and Political Commentator Rick Sanchez says, "...It's all because of PM Modi... I sense that PM Modi didn't make the full commitment to start this economic embrace until after he, and the Indian government, felt disrespected to the point where they started thinking it's time to redevelop this relationship... Is it a Machiavellian play on the part of PM Modi and President Xi where they want to send a message to the world, and specifically to Donald Trump that 'You're creating this union... Be careful who you mess with, because the bigger you make us, the smaller you make yourself.'... Perhaps. Or does it go further where they will sit down for business and say it's time to go after the big guy?... We'll see what comes out of this."

On US President Donald Trump imposing a penalty on India for purchasing Russian oil, US Journalist and Political Commentator Rick Sanchez says, "It's a disrespectful and ignorant policy... Because they don't understand the underpinnings of what caused the Ukraine war from the standpoint of Russia... You have to take that into account, which PM Modi has to some regard... The disrespectful part comes when you start treating a country like India with its history, resources and capabilities like a schoolchild. Too many people think India started with Gandhi... But, what India has done for the world is every bit as important, if not more so, as Europe and Mesopotamia... It's almost like they're treating India like they're schoolchildren who need to be told what to do. India's the big boy, not a schoolchild... When India looked back at the US and said, 'You will not tell us who we can or cannot buy oil from', it was such a cataclysmic, transformational moment. Historians will one day look back and say, that's when power started to truly decline from the old European US that was running the World since World War II... That doesn't mean the United States is in a downfall. From a power standpoint, it's going to shift to the global South, in which the premier countries are going to be India and China, along with Russia, South Africa and Brazil."

Delhi: Sinologist Bali R. Deepak, Professor at the Centre for Chinese and South East Asian Studies, JNU, shares his views on expectations from the meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the upcoming SCO Summit. He says, "...China has assured India that it will not block the supplies of rare earths, fertilizers, and critical equipment, and hence it will be a good meeting... India has been a victim of Trump's 50% tariffs, and India is trying to have better ties with China and Russia... I think primarily we are going to be the market for the Chinese goods."  

The world's attention is now focused on the forthcoming meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin. Modi's meeting with Xi is scheduled for Sunday, before he attends the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This is Modi's first visit to China after seven years. Click here to read more.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He posted on X: "Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction."  

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in China at the start of a four-day visit. President Putin will first attend the two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin. 

During his visit to China for the SCO Summit, PM Modi will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

China: Visuals from Tianjin, the host city of the SCO Summit (August 31–September 1). PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.

This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to China in the last seven years. The previous visit had come before the 2020 Galwan Valley clash that claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and many other Chinese personnel. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival at Binhai International Airport in Tianjin, China, on Saturday. The Prime Minister's visit to China marks his first in seven years and comes ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which will take place from Sunday, August 31. Click here to read more.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in China on Saturday after concluding his two-day visit to Japan.

This will be the second meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the last 10 months. The two leaders previously met in Russia's Kazan in 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. 

The meeting between PM Modi and China's Xi Jinping would be held at noon local time (9.30 am IST)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping today.