In a significant diplomatic development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have taken concrete steps towards stabilising and enhancing India–China relations, following a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin.
The encounter marked the first high-level interaction between the two leaders in several years and came at a time of shifting global alliances and economic uncertainty.
Here are 10 key takeaways from the Modi–Xi meeting that signal a strategic recalibration between Asia’s two largest powers:
1. Resumption of Direct Flights
India and China shook hands to bring back direct flights after five years. This step shows that both countries want to be friends again after COVID and the Galwan clash. They didn’t say when flights will begin but this step builds trust and boosts trade and travel.
2. Tourist Visas and Pilgrimage Routes Restored
The two countries nodded together to bring back tourist visas and the Kailash Mansarovar yatra for Indian pilgrims. This plan grows friendship and uses culture and travel to make ties better.
3. Reopening Border Trade
India and China decided to open border trade again in places like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. This move helps small towns and lowers trade worries near tricky areas.
4. Strong Emphasis on Strategic Autonomy
Modi and Xi stood firm on their own decisions. They agreed not to let other countries change their bond. This step points a quiet finger at the US as trade fights grow.
5. Positive Optics Amid US Tariff Tensions
This meeting came just as the US raised tariffs on Indian goods. Now, India and China show they are ready to look beyond Washington and find other strong ties.
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6. Peaceful Border Management
The two leaders talked about calm steps near the Line of Actual Control. They said things are better now but didn’t fix the old problems yet.
7. Trade Cooperation in Strategic Sectors
China offered help in big projects like roads and electric cars. They also brought ideas to share rare-earths, machines, and batteries India needs to grow fast.
8. Rebuilding Mutual Trust
President Xi called India a “good friend”, and PM Modi shared his hope for respect and care. They both chose to keep talking so they don’t fight again.
9. Cultural Diplomacy as a Bridge
India and China promised to grow people-to-people bonds. They planned to bring in festivals, school exchanges, and fun events to build better trust.
10. Shared Vision for Global South
Both leaders dreamed of standing strong together in the Global South. They want to speak up for smaller countries and balance the US–China fight and G7 power.
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Conclusion
The Modi–Xi meeting marks a cautious but clear step towards resetting India–China relations. While longstanding issues remain unresolved, the focus on connectivity, trade, and diplomatic optics signals a maturing relationship shaped less by confrontation and more by calibrated pragmatism.
Whether this thaw leads to deeper cooperation or remains symbolic will depend on follow-through actions in the coming months.
