The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held a special briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the SCO Summit.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conducted a special briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that PM Modi’s schedule includes a significant bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the strategic importance of the India-Russia relationship.
During a special briefing in Tianjin, Misri confirmed that the Prime Minister will first address the SCO plenary session before meeting President Putin. “Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will be addressing the plenary session of the Summit, where he will outline India’s approach to fostering regional cooperation under the SCO umbrella. After this engagement, he is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, following which he will depart for India,” Misri said.
Earlier in the visit, Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping — their second interaction within a year, following their talks in Kazan last October. During that earlier meeting, the two leaders had set strategic guidelines and identified key goals for advancing India-China bilateral relations. PM Modi is also set to address the SCO Summit’s plenary session, where he will outline India’s vision for deepening regional cooperation before concluding his visit and returning to India.
India and China: Partners, not rivals
Foreign Secretary Misri emphasised that both leaders reaffirmed their shared focus on domestic development. They agreed that India and China are partners in progress rather than rivals. A consensus emerged that a stable and amicable relationship between the two Asian giants is vital for the 2.8 billion people who live in both countries.
The leaders also noted that while differences exist, they should not be allowed to escalate into disputes. Misri highlighted that both sides see a cooperative India-China relationship as essential for realising the vision of an “Asian Century” and a multipolar world with Asia at its core.
Progress since Kazan and people-to-people ties
PM Modi and President Xi acknowledged the momentum gained in bilateral relations since their previous meeting in Kazan, especially in enhancing people-to-people contacts. They discussed their respective understandings of key principles that will guide future engagements and cooperation.
Boundary issue and border stability
The boundary issue was addressed during the talks. Misri said both leaders took note of the successful disengagement and relative peace in border regions over the past year. PM Modi underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as a foundation for smoother bilateral ties.
President Xi’s four-point proposal
President Xi proposed four key steps to elevate the India-China relationship:
- Strengthening strategic communication and trust
- Expanding cooperation and exchanges
- Accommodating mutual concerns
- Enhancing multilateral collaboration
PM Modi responded positively to all four points.
Trade, terrorism, and BRICS invitation
The two leaders exchanged views on increasing and balancing bilateral trade, fighting terrorism, cooperating on trans-border rivers, and enhancing mutual investments. PM Modi extended an invitation to President Xi for the BRICS Summit India will host in 2026, which Xi accepted and pledged full support.
PM Modi meets CCP leader Cai Qi amid scheduling constraints
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a brief but significant meeting with Cai Qi, member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo Standing Committee, after a planned banquet was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the meeting underscored China’s high regard for the visit, which comes after nearly seven years. PM Modi shared his broader vision for India-China ties and emphasized the importance of implementing the consensus reached with President Xi Jinping earlier in the day. Mr. Cai reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation and addressing mutual economic concerns.
PM Modi meets Myanmar leader, emphasises dialogue and connectivity
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, “…Prime Minister welcomed the announcement of elections in Myanmar and stated that dialogue was the only way forward to foster peace and stability in Myanmar…” “The Prime Minister had a bilateral meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of Myanmar… The Prime Minister noted that India attaches great importance to its relations with Myanmar under its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies. He underlined the importance of the development partnership between the two countries and sought Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s support for the ongoing connectivity projects between India and Myanmar. There was also a discussion on the security and border issues. Prime Minister welcomed the announcement of elections in Myanmar and stated that dialogue was the only way forward to foster peace and stability in Myanmar…”
US tariffs not a central focus, but global economic concerns discussed
Foreign Secretary Misri stated that while PM Modi and President Xi acknowledged global economic challenges, including those arising from actions like US tariffs, their discussion remained largely focused on bilateral economic cooperation. He noted that both leaders recognised the impact of international developments but chose to explore how they could leverage these challenges to deepen India-China economic ties rather than directly address US trade policies.
India raises trade deficit concerns with China
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri acknowledged the persistent trade imbalance between India and China, describing it as a longstanding issue discussed at various levels. He emphasised that addressing the deficit is critical for improving perceptions in the bilateral relationship, noting that trade talks continue between governments, businesses, and related entities.
Border talks to continue via established mechanisms
On the ongoing border discussions, Misri said both nations will rely on existing mechanisms like the Working Mechanism for Coordination and Cooperation on border affairs. Meetings are expected in the coming days to push delimitation-related talks forward.
Cross-border terrorism highlighted
Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of cross-border terrorism during his interactions, stating it remains a major concern for India. Misri noted that China has extended understanding and cooperation on this front and acknowledged that both countries are impacted by this threat.
Direct flights between India and China likely to resume soon
Misri revealed that technical-level talks on resuming direct air connectivity between India and China have progressed well. A consensus has been reached broadly, with only operational issues remaining. The resumption of flights is expected in the coming weeks.
No Change in India’s stance on Taiwan
Foreign Secretary Misri confirmed that there is no change in India’s longstanding position on Taiwan, signaling continuity in India’s foreign policy approach.
Referring to broader strategic perspectives, Misri said both nations must aspire to a future rooted in partnership, not rivalry. He emphasised the need to move beyond recent border tensions and work toward shared long-term goals, being the world’s two largest populations and significant economies.
India and China Share Common Ground on Global Governance Reforms
Misri pointed out shared concerns about the functioning of international institutions like the WTO and the UN, suggesting both countries can cooperate to push for meaningful reforms on the global stage.
Shared vision for future
The discussions reflected a mutual desire to work on long-term goals based on mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity. Both leaders agreed to pursue a fair and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary issue, grounded in the broader political perspective of bilateral relations.
As Misri concluded, “PM Modi and President Xi shared their perspectives for the long-term growth and development of the two countries — a vision that will guide future cooperation.”
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