China is preparing to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025. The summit marks a significant moment in international relations, particularly for India and China, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend, marking his first visit to China in seven years.

A Thawing of Relations

China has extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the two countries. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun conveyed China's anticipation for Modi's presence at the SCO Tianjin Summit. Guo Jiakun stated, "We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship, and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism, and productiveness". This sentiment suggests a desire from China to strengthen ties and foster a more collaborative environment within the SCO framework.

Relations between India and China appear to be improving since a border agreement was reached in late 2024. Following a violent border clash in June 2020 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), both countries have been working to stabilize their bilateral relationship. A rebuilding of bilateral ties followed, with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi meeting in November 2024. During this meeting, they agreed to the resumption of a religious pilgrimage in Tibet, data sharing on trans-border rivers, direct flights between India and China, and media exchanges. The two countries' defense ministers also met in November 2024.

Focus on Cooperation

Despite existing issues and differences, there is a growing consensus among Chinese scholars and intellectuals that India and China should enhance cooperation across various sectors. Potential areas for collaboration include economic ties, artificial intelligence (AI), and outer space. Some experts have suggested a "twin-engine" partnership in AI, with China recently announcing an initiative to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in Shanghai. Chinese experts also see the SCO and BRICS platforms as avenues for advancing bilateral cooperation.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the outlook appears positive, it is important to acknowledge the existing challenges and sensitivities in India-China relations. Security and territorial issues remain tense, although the situation on the disputed border has calmed since the October 2024 patrol agreement. However, both sides have continued to improve their infrastructure in the vicinity of disputed areas. Managing India's relationship with China, both bilaterally and within the context of the Indo-Pacific, remains a key foreign policy challenge for the Indian government. Competition for influence in neighboring regions, such as South Asia and the Indian Ocean, also adds complexity to the relationship.

Despite these challenges, the potential for progress and cooperation remains significant. The SCO summit in Tianjin provides an opportunity for both countries to address their differences, strengthen their relationship, and work together on regional and global issues. The summit is expected to be attended by leaders from over 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations, making it the largest SCO summit in history. Wang Yi expressed confidence that the summit will be a grand event featuring solidarity, friendship, and fruitful outcomes, and that the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development.

Overall, Prime Minister Modi's planned visit to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit represents a significant step towards improving relations between India and China. While challenges remain, the summit offers a platform for both countries to engage in constructive dialogue, strengthen cooperation, and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.