Modi-Xi Meeting at SCO Summit in Tianjin: Experts Assess 'Repaired' India-China Relations

High-Level Engagement at SCO Summit Signals Diplomatic Shift

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held a significant meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, in September 2025. This interaction, the first between the two leaders in China in seven years, has been widely discussed by experts, who noted it 'repaired' India-China relations, while cautioning against overstating its importance.

The meeting followed a period of strained ties, particularly after the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. The engagement in Tianjin marked a strategic effort by both nations to recalibrate their relationship amidst a shifting global landscape.

Key Outcomes and Agreements from Tianjin

The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi at the SCO summit yielded several key developments aimed at normalizing and improving bilateral relations. Both leaders acknowledged steady progress since their last interaction and emphasized partnership over rivalry.

• Diplomatic Reset: The meeting signaled a potential reset in bilateral ties, with both sides emphasizing cooperation.
• Connectivity: Agreements were made to resume direct passenger flights, which had been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic.
• People-to-People Links: India has restarted tourist visa issuance for Chinese citizens, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed.
• Border Stability: Progress on disengagement efforts has reportedly reduced tensions and helped restore peace in sensitive border areas.
• Economic Cooperation: Discussions included potential Chinese investment in India's electric vehicle industry and greater access for Chinese firms in the Indian market.
• Trade Resumption: Both countries agreed to reopen border trade, with China assuring cooperation on critical supplies such as rare earths, fertilizers, and tunneling equipment.

The leaders reaffirmed that India and China are 'development partners and not rivals,' and that their differences should not escalate into disputes.

Expert Analysis: A Cautious Optimism

The assessment that the Tianjin meeting 'repaired' India-China relations, but its importance should not be 'overstated,' emerged from discussions among veteran diplomats and commentators. These experts convened at the launch of the book 'China: Indian Perspectives on China's Politics, Economy, and Foreign Relations' in New Delhi on September 18, 2025.

Former Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, while calling for greater engagement, cautioned about internal developments in China. Former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon also praised the initiative to foster a deeper understanding of China.

Context of Recent High-Level Interactions

The Tianjin meeting built upon previous high-level interactions between the two leaders. Notably, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi had a formal bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.

During the Kazan meeting, Prime Minister Modi welcomed an agreement for 'complete disengagement' along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in border areas. Both leaders agreed to restart stalled boundary talks by Special Representatives, indicating ongoing efforts to address long-standing border disputes.

These successive engagements highlight a concerted effort by both nations to manage their complex relationship, focusing on diplomatic channels and economic cooperation while continuing to address sensitive issues like border stability.