During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the need for closer India-China cooperation amid global uncertainty. Here’s a breakdown of what unfolded.


1. Meeting on the Sidelines of SCO Summit

  • The bilateral discussion took place on August 31, 2025, at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin.
  • The summit marks an important stage for both nations, especially given 75 years of China-India diplomatic relations.
  • Xi jinping highlighted that the current international situation is fluid and chaotic, calling for strategic collaboration.


2. Xi Jinping’s Call for a Multipolar World

  • Xi stressed that India and china must work together to create a multipolar world.
  • He emphasized strengthening democracy in international relations, aiming for a balanced global order.
  • Quote: “We must step up to our historic responsibility to uphold multilateralism, work together to bring about a multipolar world and more democracy in international relations, and make our true contributions to peace and prosperity in Asia and around the world.”


3. PM Modi Stresses Mutual Trust and Respect

  • In the same meeting, PM Modi called for stronger India-China ties based on:
    • Mutual trust
    • Mutual respect
    • Sensitivity to each other’s concerns
  • Both leaders agreed that approaching bilateral ties from a long-term strategic perspective is essential for regional stability.


4. SCO Summit 2025: Key Highlights

  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has 10 member countries: india, china, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Iran.
  • India has been an SCO member since 2017 and an observer since 2005.
  • The summit’s opening day included:
    • Welcoming ceremony
    • Group photo session
    • Leaders’ reception and concert


5. Strategic Meetings During the Summit

  • PM Modi is also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit.
  • This year’s SCO is especially significant for india, coming after the US imposed 50% tariffs, including a 25% tariff on New Delhi for purchasing Russian crude oil.


6. Why This Matters for India

  • Strengthened India-China ties can help stabilize Asia amid geopolitical tensions.
  • Collaboration supports the vision of a multipolar world, counterbalancing unilateral global powers.
  • Bilateral engagement at SCO also opens avenues for trade, energy security, and regional peace.


7. Looking Ahead

  • Both leaders emphasized long-term cooperation and responsible global leadership.
  • The meeting reinforces the importance of dialogue, trust, and diplomacy in maintaining peace and prosperity in the region.

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