Modi arrives in China for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, first visit in 7 years
Modi arrived in China's Tianjin after concluding his trip to Japan, where he boosted bilateral relations across transport, space exploration and trade.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in China on Saturday (30 August) for the first time in over seven years, where he will be attending the crucial SCO summit and hold bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Modi arrived in China's Tianjin after concluding his trip to Japan, where he boosted bilateral relations across transport, space exploration and trade.
The prime minister, who is in China till 1 September, will have a crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as both leaders are expected to take stock of India-China economic ties and deliberate on steps to further normalise relations.
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Modi will also be attending the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which holds special significance amid the rising concerns over the 50% US tariffs on India, which came into effect on Wednesday.
Modi is in China at the invitation of Xi Jinping. The invitation also comes amid a thaw in India-China ties, which were previously marred by border clashes in 2020.
Modi's visit to China also comes amid backlash from the United States over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil amid the Ukraine war.
India's oil purchase also prompted US President Donald Trump to impose an additional 25% tariff on India, taking the total levies on New Delhi to 50%.
What's on agenda?
Modi is set to attend the SCO in Tianjin on 31 August and 1 September. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017.
Modi will be attending a welcome banquet dinner tomorrow. The main leaders' summit is set to take place on 1 September.
At the SCO Summit, Modi is expected to reiterate India's stance against cross-border terrorism in the context of the recent conflict between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
On the sidelines of the SCO summit, the Indian leader is also slated to meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
"There will be a number of bilateral meetings that will be organised on the sidelines. We are still finalising those meetings and will keep you updated on the proceedings," stated foreign secretary Vikram Misri during the briefing regarding the PM's visit to Japan and China.
