Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. On Sunday (September 1), the event happened in Tianjin and was important for many reasons. It is Modi’s first visit to China since the 2020 border fight between Indian and Chinese soldiers. Leaders, especially the Western leaders, are watching the summit closely because India and China have faced tough times in recent years.
Modi’s First China Visit After Border Clashes
PM Modi’s trip showed that India and China may want to make peace and talk. In his speech, Modi said things between the two countries have started moving in a good way. He also said that after troops moved back from the borders, things have been calm. Chinese President Xi Jinping said he hoped this meeting would help both countries work together and keep good relations. This meeting was a sign that both sides are trying to fix past problems and look towards better days.
In a bilateral meeting, Xi stated that the world is moving towards transformation. China and India are two of the most civilizational countries. We are the world’s two most populous countries and part of the Global South… It is vital to be friends, a good neighbour, and the Dragon and the Elephant to come together…,
Important Meetings With Other Leaders
At the summit, Modi met President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi, Xi, and Putin held hands, showing unity. Modi also hugged Putin. These meetings were friendly. Modi and Xi agreed to keep talking and work out their differences. They want to trade more and work together on other issues. Modi talked with President Putin about different topics. President Putin thanked Modi for India’s efforts to help solve problems in Ukraine.
Tensions With the United States
Recently, the U.S. has imposed high taxes on goods from India, China, and other countries. President Trump made these taxes even higher for India- 50% on some goods. America did this by citing that India is buying oil from Russia. This has made things hard between India and the U.S. The issue was big at the summit, and India and Russia stood together to face outside pressure.
India’s Message Against Terrorism
PM Modi spoke strongly against terrorism. He said terrorism is the worst danger for the world. PM Modi mentioned the Pahalgam attack, calling it a terrible example of terrorism. He reminded everyone that India has suffered from terrorism for forty years. Modi wanted to get other countries to stand with India against terrorism. This was important because Pakistan was also at the summit. Earlier, India refused to sign a statement in another SCO meeting because it did not mention this attack. Now, Modi wanted the summit to focus more on fighting terrorism.
China’s Statement on Extremism
President Xi Jinping also spoke at the summit. He said the SCO group is against terrorism, violence, and people who want to break up countries. Xi told everyone that China will help make the SCO stronger. He said that forcing or bullying other countries is not acceptable. It was clear that China wants to lead and support other member countries.
Big Financial Help for SCO Members
During the summit, China made a big announcement. President Xi Jinping said the SCO countries will get a grant of 2 billion yuan, almost 281 million U.S. dollars. The money will help these countries grow and solve their problems. This promise showed China’s serious wish to help its neighbours and friends at the summit.
Why This Summit Was Special
- This was Modi’s first visit to China after the Galwan border clash five years ago. It was important for both countries.
- The U.S. raised taxes on many SCO countries, making life hard for them. India’s goods got the highest tax, while China and Kazakhstan also faced high taxes. At the summit, countries talked about standing together against this pressure.
- President Xi Jinping wanted the SCO summit to show that countries like China, Russia, India, and Iran can work together instead of only following what the U.S. says. He wanted to show the world that there are other options.
- India wanted everyone to focus on terrorism. Modi highlighted the Pahalgam attack and the problems India faces. He wanted to get support from other countries, especially since Pakistan was there.
- More than 20 countries joined the summit, not just SCO members. Leaders from many places came for the meeting, making it even more important.
- India and China showed better relations. They started direct flights, opened paths for border trade, and allowed people to make the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage again. This was positive after years of trouble.
The SCO summit in 2025 brought together many leaders and countries. It showed that India, China, and Russia want to work together. The summit was special because it gave everyone a chance to talk about their problems, stand together, and find ways to help each other.
