Modi–Xi Meet: Strategic Autonomy, Border Peace, Kailash Yatra & Flights Resume
Tianjin: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held wide-ranging talks on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, marking a major step in mending ties strained since the Galwan clashes of 2020.
On his first China visit in seven years, Modi struck a conciliatory tone, congratulating Beijing for hosting the summit and stressing that the future of 2.8 billion people depends on India–China cooperation. Xi, calling Modi a “friend and good neighbour,” underlined that both nations must act with a long-term vision as they mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Had a fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. We reviewed the positive momentum in India-China relations since our last meeting in Kazan. We agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas and… pic.twitter.com/HBYS5lhe9d
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2025
Border Peace
Modi highlighted that disengagement agreements at Depsang and Demchok have created “an atmosphere of peace and stability” along the Line of Actual Control. Defence and security officials from both sides are working on further de-escalation measures.
People-to-People Links
The Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra—suspended since the pandemic and Galwan clash—has resumed, while direct passenger flights between India and China will restart after five years.
Strategic Autonomy
In a veiled message to Washington, Modi emphasised that India–China ties should not be viewed “through the prism of a third party.” Xi echoed this, saying both civilisational giants must strengthen multilateralism and stand together for peace in Asia.
The meeting, sources said, is being seen as part of a broader recalibration, with New Delhi seeking closer coordination with both Beijing and Moscow in the wake of Trump’s steep tariffs.
