Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held a high-level meeting during the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, sparking optimism for a more peaceful and collaborative era between India and China.
PM Modi expressed India’s strong commitment to strengthening ties with China, highlighting the importance of mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. Emphasizing the welfare of nearly 2.8 billion people across both countries, he stated, “Cooperation between India and China will pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity.” Modi also appreciated the warm welcome extended by China and congratulated its successful leadership of the SCO.
During the discussion, PM Modi reflected on their fruitful talks at last year’s summit and celebrated progress made in recent months. Notably, both leaders acknowledged the creation of a more peaceful atmosphere following disengagement at the border, and a new agreement between Special Representatives on border management. Direct flights between the two countries are being resumed, and pilgrimage routes, such as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, are being reopened—clear signals of thawing relations and resumed people-to-people contact.
President Xi Jinping welcomed PM Modi and underscored the shared legacy and global importance of India and China as two ancient civilizations. Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Xi called for both countries to take a long-term view of their partnership and urged them to work together for stability and prosperity in Asia and the world. He stressed the need for multilateralism and a more democratic international order, highlighting the strategic role both nations play in the Global South.
This renewed engagement marks a positive turning point in India-China relations. The 2025 talks at the SCO summit have set the stage for further cooperation, emphasizing that friendship and partnership between India and China is the “right choice” for both countries and for global peace.
