Modi–Xi Bilateral Meeting On Sidelines Of SCO Summit 2025— 6 Key Takeaways

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin on Sunday (31 August).

Here are the key takeaways:

Positive Momentum in Ties

PM Modi and President Xi welcomed the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024.

They reaffirmed that the two countries were development partners and not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The two leaders stressed that a stable relationship and cooperation between India and China and their 2.8 billion peoples on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity are necessary for the growth and development of the two countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multi-polar Asia befitting the trends of the 21st century.

Border Stability

During the meeting, PM Modi underlined the importance of peace at border areas for continued development of bilateral relations.

Both sides welcomed last year’s disengagement and committed to a fair, reasonable resolution of the boundary issue, guided by the work of Special Representatives.

Economic and Trade Relations

On economic and trade relations, PM Modi and President Xi recognised the role of their two economies to stabilise world trade.

They underlined the need to proceed from a political and strategic direction to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce trade deficit.

People-to-People Links

Both leaders noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

Strategic Autonomy

During the meeting, PM Modi noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens.

The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms.

Multilateral Engagements

Prime Minister Modi expressed support for China's Presidency of the SCO and the Summit in Tianjin. He also invited President Xi to the BRICS Summit that India will be hosting in 2026.

President Xi thanked Prime Minister for the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency.

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