Highlights of PM Modi's China Visit to Attend SCO Summit 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China on August 30, 2025, to attend the 25th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), marking his first visit to China in seven years. The two-day summit began formally on August 31 with a grand banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the significance of the event attended by over 20 heads of state, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
On the morning of August 31 at 9:30 AM IST, Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping. The discussions emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas, and strengthening cooperation in bilateral, regional, and global arenas such as counter-terrorism and fair trade. Both leaders echoed their commitment to strategic autonomy and agreed that India-China relations should not be viewed through the lens of third-country influences.
Prime Minister Modi also met with Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, to share his vision for deepening India-China relations.
During the summit, Modi delivered an address advocating firm, collective action against terrorism and highlighted SCO’s foundational pillars of security, connectivity, and opportunity. India and other SCO member states unanimously condemned recent terror attacks and renewed their commitment to bring terrorists to justice.
Additionally, Modi engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, symbolizing a strong trilateral cooperation among India, China, and Russia amidst growing global uncertainties and caution against “Cold War” mentalities. Modi and Putin reiterated their enduring friendship and cooperation despite external pressures.
The summit concluded on September 1 with agreements on enhancing regional security and cooperation frameworks. Modi invited President Xi to the upcoming 2026 BRICS Summit in India, to which Xi responded positively.
Prime Minister Modi departed China on September 1, 2025, after successfully advancing India’s strategic interests and fostering a new momentum in India-China relations at a critical geopolitical juncture.
