Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the official reception of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, where he was warmly received by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
At the venue, PM Modi exchanged greetings with President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan, before joining fellow world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, for the traditional group photograph. The formal sessions of the summit are scheduled to begin on September 1.
🔹 Bilateral Talks with China
Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a series of bilateral meetings, including a key discussion with President Xi. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):
- Both leaders emphasised the role of India and China in supporting global trade stability.
- They discussed boosting people-to-people exchanges, including resuming direct flights, easing visa rules, and continuing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- A strategic and political approach was agreed upon to strengthen trade and investment ties while narrowing the trade deficit.
- The leaders welcomed progress since their last meeting in Kazan, October 2024, reiterating that India and China are partners in development, not rivals.
PM Modi also invited President Xi to attend the 2026 BRICS Summit in India, to which Xi expressed appreciation and assured support for India’s upcoming BRICS presidency.
🔹 Engagements on the SCO Sidelines
- PM Modi met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s acting President and military chief.
- Discussions covered defence, security, border management, development projects, and trade.
- PM Modi emphasised that elections in Myanmar should be fair, inclusive, and consultative, reaffirming India’s support for a Myanmar-led peace process.
🔹 Red Carpet Welcome
- PM Modi arrived in Tianjin on Saturday, receiving a red carpet welcome at Binhai International Airport.
- Senior Chinese and Indian officials received him, and the Indian community in China greeted him with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.”
🔹 Strategic Context
The 2025 SCO Summit carries added weight for India amid US-imposed tariffs, including a 25% duty on Indian imports of Russian crude oil, highlighting the importance of strengthening regional partnerships.
