On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in crucial bilateral talks, reaffirming that India and China are partners in development rather than rivals. Both leaders emphasized that their differences should not escalate into disputes, highlighting the importance of maintaining consistent dialogue.

The meeting, which occurred on August 31, 2025, saw both leaders welcoming the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024. They underscored that a stable relationship and cooperation between India and China, involving their 2.8 billion people, are vital for the growth and development of both nations, as well as for a multipolar world and Asia in the 21st century.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the significance of peace and tranquility in the border areas for the continued advancement of bilateral relations. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the successful disengagement achieved last year and the maintenance of peace along the border areas since then. They committed to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of both populations. They also recognized the important decisions made by their Special Representatives in earlier talks this month and agreed to further support their efforts.

Discussions also covered strengthening people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visas. On economic and trade relations, both leaders acknowledged the role of their economies in stabilizing world trade. They highlighted the need to expand bilateral trade and investment ties from a political and strategic direction while reducing the trade deficit.

Amidst global instability caused by rising tariff wars, PM Modi and President Xi recognized the role their countries play in supporting global trade. Modi pointed out that both India and China pursue strategic autonomy, and their relationship should not be viewed through the lens of a third country. The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, including terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms.

Xi Jinping stated that China and India are each other's development opportunities rather than threats. He also emphasized that the border issue should not define the overall China-India relationship. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Xi said that China-India ties could be stable and far-reaching if both sides focus on viewing each other as partners instead of rivals.

PM Modi expressed support for China's presidency of the SCO and invited President Xi to the BRICS Summit that India will be hosting in 2026. President Xi thanked PM Modi for the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency.

The meeting also included discussions on strengthening multilateral institutions and addressing shortcomings in the WTO and UN. Both nations aim to collaborate on combating terrorism, with upcoming border negotiations planned.