What happened?
On August 30, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Binhai International Airport in Tianjin for a two-day visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. He was received by senior Chinese and Indian officials with a cultural welcome. During the summit, PM Modi will take part in SCO deliberations and is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Why it matters to India
The visit is significant as it comes at a time of shifting global alignments, with Washington imposing steep tariffs—including a 25% duty on Indian imports of Russian crude oil. India’s engagement at the SCO underscores its role in a multipolar world order alongside China and Russia. The summit also provides a platform for advancing regional security, trade, and connectivity. Moreover, with recent steps like reopening of border trade routes, agreement to resume direct flights, and discussions on easing visa rules, PM Modi’s presence in Tianjin signals a cautious but important recalibration of India–China ties while safeguarding India’s strategic and economic interests.