Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China on Saturday, August 30, 2025, to attend the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled for August 31 and September 1. This visit marks Modi's first to China in seven years. He was greeted by members of the Indian diaspora, who welcomed him with enthusiastic chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram".

Upon arrival at a hotel in Tianjin, PM Modi was treated to a cultural performance featuring Indian classical music and dance by Chinese artists. These performers, Chinese nationals, have dedicated themselves to learning Indian art forms for several years.

In a post on X, PM Modi conveyed his anticipation for in-depth discussions during the SCO Summit and meetings with leaders from various countries. On the sidelines of the summit, he is expected to hold key bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Modi and Xi Jinping last met at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in 2024.

This year’s SCO Summit is being held in Tianjin, a northern Chinese city on the Bohai Sea. It is expected to gather more than 20 foreign leaders and the heads of 10 international organizations. The summit is the largest-ever SCO Summit to date. The city has been decorated with banners and welcoming decorations, and security has been tightened.

The SCO Summit is particularly significant for India, especially in light of recent trade tensions with the United States, including tariffs on Indian exports and penalties for purchasing Russian oil. Analysts anticipate that the SCO Summit will serve as a platform for China to project itself as a stabilizing force, uniting the Global South to counterbalance the West.

PM Modi has stated that India is an active and constructive member of the SCO and remains committed to working with other members to address shared challenges and deepen regional cooperation. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017 and held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State of SCO during 2022-23.

The SCO, established in Shanghai in 2001, includes China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus as member states. Afghanistan and Mongolia have observer status, and there are 14 dialogue partners, including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives.

Tianjin, the host city for the SCO Summit, is seen as a symbol of China's revival and strategic ambition. Once divided by foreign powers, the city is now a hub for the Belt and Road Initiative, a maritime gateway to Beijing, and a bridge to Central Asia. By hosting the summit in Tianjin, China aims to emphasize its vision of leading the Global South and challenging Western dominance in global leadership forums.