Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. This visit holds significant importance as it will be his first trip to China after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Prior to the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi will visit Japan on August 30 to participate in the annual India-Japan summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. From Japan, he will travel to China for the SCO summit.

Modi’s First China Visit After Galwan Clash

This trip is especially noteworthy because it marks Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to China since the violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in 2020. The 2020 confrontation resulted in the loss of lives of Indian soldiers, and tensions between the two countries have been high ever since. Modi’s last visit to China was in 2019, making this upcoming visit highly anticipated as it may pave the way for the normalization of bilateral relations.

Modi’s Visit Comes Amid Growing Tensions Over BRICS and Energy

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China comes at a time of growing geopolitical tension, particularly in relation to the BRICS nations. Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump targeted the BRICS nations for purchasing oil from Russia, claiming that such actions challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar in the global economy. Both India and China are key members of the BRICS group, which has been working to promote multipolarity in global politics. As the international community watches closely, Modi’s visit will likely play a key role in shaping India’s approach to its relations with China and BRICS in the coming years.

Importance of the SCO Summit

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a major regional organization that includes countries like India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization focuses on issues such as regional security, anti-terrorism cooperation, trade, and cultural exchange. The upcoming summit in Tianjin will be attended by leaders from over 20 countries and the heads of 10 international organizations. The summit is considered a significant platform for discussions on various regional and global issues. For India, participating in the SCO summit is crucial in maintaining its diplomatic engagement in the region and contributing to initiatives for regional security and development.

Potential Bilateral Meeting Between Modi and Xi Jinping

According to reports, there is a possibility that Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping may hold a bilateral meeting during the SCO summit. This meeting could be a crucial step in normalizing relations between the two nations. Relations between India and China have been strained since the 2020 Galwan clash. A face-to-face meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping could pave the way for better cooperation and open channels of dialogue on key issues such as trade, security, and border disputes.

The two leaders last met in October 2024 during the BRICS summit in Russia, where they discussed issues of mutual concern. A renewed dialogue between the two could signal a positive shift in India-China relations and reduce tensions along their shared border.

Signs of Improvement in India-China Relations

Following the military confrontation in the Galwan Valley, India and China have made efforts to de-escalate tensions. In recent months, both countries have taken steps to reduce border tensions and improve diplomatic ties. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has been actively engaged in talks with his Chinese counterparts. Additionally, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Beijing in the recent past, where he met with Chinese officials. The discussions focused on normalizing bilateral relations and easing tensions along the border. Jaishankar has expressed that there has been “good progress” in normalizing relations between India and China over the past few months, signaling that both nations are committed to moving forward diplomatically.

Strategic Importance of SCO for India

The SCO summit provides an important platform for India to engage with regional powers and strengthen its geopolitical position in Central Asia and beyond. As a full member of the SCO since 2017, India has been actively participating in the organization’s activities and contributing to discussions on security and trade. The inclusion of Iran as a full member in 2023 further highlights the organization’s growing influence and the increasing importance of regional cooperation. For India, the SCO summit is an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue on issues such as counter-terrorism, regional stability, and economic cooperation.

China’s Role in the SCO and India’s Strategic Interests

China plays a central role in the SCO, and its economic and political influence within the organization is significant. For India, engaging with China through the SCO is a crucial aspect of balancing regional dynamics. Despite ongoing border disputes, India recognizes the importance of maintaining dialogue with China, especially in multilateral forums such as the SCO. The summit will likely address key issues related to trade, infrastructure development, and security challenges in the region.

India’s participation in the SCO summit also serves as an opportunity to strengthen its relations with other member countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, which are vital to India’s strategic interests in Central Asia. The summit will also serve as a platform for India to showcase its leadership role in regional affairs and further its goals of economic growth and security cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China and participation in the upcoming SCO summit holds significant diplomatic importance for India. With both India and China being key players in the BRICS group and the SCO, the meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping could serve as a turning point in their bilateral relations. While tensions have existed due to the Galwan Valley clash, recent efforts by both nations to reduce border tensions suggest that the path towards normalization is possible.

As Modi travels to China after a period of strained relations, the SCO summit will serve as an essential opportunity for India to engage with China and other regional powers. The summit’s discussions on security, trade, and cultural exchange will shape India’s role in the evolving geopolitical landscape. As the world watches closely, the outcome of the summit and any potential bilateral discussions between Modi and Xi will have long-term implications for regional stability and cooperation.