India–China Relations 2025: PM Modi’s Historic Visit and Diplomatic Reset
Renewed Engagement at SCO Summit in Tianjin
In August and September of 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first trip to China in over seven years, attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. This visit marked a significant diplomatic thaw after years of border tensions and shifting global geopolitics.
During their bilateral talks, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their dedication to resolving long-standing border disputes and enhancing economic cooperation. Xi pointed out that “border issues should not define China-India relations,” while Modi stressed the importance of recent disengagement and building trust.
A Strategic Pivot Toward Multilateralism
At the summit, Xi criticized “bullying behavior” and called for a “true multilateralism” rooted in the United Nations and WTO. He even suggested establishing a Shanghai Cooperation Organization development bank, supported by $1.4 billion in grants and loans. Modi’s presence alongside Xi and Putin highlighted India’s growing alignment with non-Western alliances.
Behind the Scenes: Modi Meets Cai Qi
Beyond the public events, Modi had an important meeting with Cai Qi, a key member of China’s Politburo Standing Committee. Observers considered this interaction potentially more strategic than the high-profile meeting with Xi, indicating that deeper diplomatic channels were opening between the two nations.
A Long-Term Vision for Bilateral Ties
Modi approached this visit with a strategic, long-term perspective, looking beyond recent tensions. His discussions in Tianjin followed a series of softening engagements, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s earlier trip to China in July, which also focused on mutual trust and forward-looking diplomacy.
Building Blocks: Earlier Diplomatic Moves in 2025
This visit was built on a series of confidence-building measures that laid the foundation for renewed engagement:
January 2025: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri traveled to Beijing under the Foreign Secretary–Vice Minister dialogue, setting the stage for future discussions.
and further easing of economic bottlenecks.
3. People-to-People Bridges: Expect to see growth in pilgrimages, cultural exchanges, and scholarly cooperation.
4. Global Multipolarism: India and China might work together to shape a more multipolar balance of power through the SCO and other platforms.
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Conclusion
India’s 2025 visit to China—highlighted by PM Modi’s appearance at the SCO and strategic engagements—signals a crucial diplomatic reset. With border tensions easing and real cooperation taking shape across pilgrimages, flights, and trade, the focus is shifting toward pragmatic engagement.
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