Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin, China, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, signaling a commitment to improved bilateral relations. This marks Modi's first visit to China since relations between the two countries deteriorated following deadly border clashes in 2020.

Both leaders welcomed the steady progress in their bilateral ties since their last meeting in Kazan, Russia. They acknowledged that India and China are partners, not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes. Xi Jinping stated that it is the "right choice" for the two countries to be "friends". He also emphasized that the border dispute should not define their overall relationship. Modi affirmed that India is committed to strengthening relations with China based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.

Several key outcomes and points of discussion emerged from the meeting:

• Resumption of direct flights: Direct flights between India and China, which were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume.
• Tourism and pilgrimage: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed, and India has begun issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens again. Both were suspended during the 2020 pandemic.
• Strategic autonomy: Modi noted that both countries should pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be viewed through a third country's lens.
• Economic cooperation: Both leaders recognized the importance of economic and trade relations in stabilizing world trade amid global instability. They discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment ties and reducing the trade deficit. China has also assured India that it will address its need for rare earth minerals, fertilizers, and tunnel boring machines.
• Border management: Modi noted the peace and stability along the border areas following the disengagement process. Both sides agreed to use diplomatic and military mechanisms to advance border management and start talking about de-escalation.
• Multilateral cooperation: Both leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, such as terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms.
• Invitation to BRICS summit: Modi invited Xi to the BRICS summit that India will host in 2026. Xi accepted the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of Washington's tariffs, which have impacted almost all leading economies across the world. Some analysts suggest that New Delhi getting closer to Beijing raises an alarm for the US foreign policy. China has also expressed its opposition to Washington's tariffs on India and has stated that it will "firmly stand" with New Delhi.

Overall, the Modi-Xi meeting in Tianjin signals a positive step towards mending and strengthening ties between India and China. Both leaders have expressed a commitment to mutual respect,sensitivity, and cooperation in various areas, including trade, border management, and global issues.