India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Visit China for First Time in 7 Years
India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval officially confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China later this year to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin scheduled for August 31 to September 1, 2025. This trip will mark Modi’s first visit to China in over seven years, signaling a potential warming in bilateral ties amid continuing geopolitical complexities.
PM Modi will travel to China for SCO summit, says NSA Ajit Doval pic.twitter.com/9LXohedszL
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 19, 2025
Modi’s visit coincides with growing economic and geopolitical tensions
Modi’s visit to China comes at a time of shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a sweeping 50% tariff on all Indian goods entering the United States, effectively doubling existing duties with an added 25% surcharge. This significant escalation in U.S.-India trade tensions took effect on August 27, 2025, compelling importers to quickly adjust shipping plans and trade agreements. The tariff move adds a complex layer to India’s foreign policy considerations as it seeks to balance relations with major powers including China and the United States.
China’s Foreign Minister visits India amid ongoing talks
Currently, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a two-day visit to India, where he has held extensive talks with his Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister Subrahankar Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval. Their discussions included the 24th round of Special Representatives Talks focusing on the boundary dispute and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Key Outcomes of Recent Talks
During the meetings, both sides agreed to maintain the momentum of improving bilateral relations. Wang Yi highlighted the importance of cooperation between China and India—Asia’s two most populous developing nations with a combined population exceeding 2.8 billion. He stressed that the countries should see each other as partners rather than rivals, investing resources in mutual development and fostering regional peace.
Wang said, “The two largest developing countries should demonstrate a sense of global responsibility, act as major powers, and set an example for developing countries in pursuit of strength through unity.”
He emphasized China’s commitment to principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, advocating a peaceful and prosperous neighborhood.
Progress and Context
Ajit Doval described the recent period as an “upward trend” in India-China relations, noting that border tensions have eased with military disengagement completed in November 2024 after the 2020 standoff. He credited the 2024 BRICS summit between Modi and Xi Jinping for setting a new positive tone.
The significance of the forthcoming SCO summit
The SCO summit is expected to reinforce thawed relations and provide a platform for further dialogue amidst rising tensions and geopolitical complexities.
Diplomatic Significance
The visit is regarded as an opportunity to stabilize ties, resume stalled interactions, and advance pragmatic cooperation.
Recent development
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to hold a conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
