PM Modi’s SCO Summit Visit to China: A Strategic Reset After 7 Years?

NEW DELHI: In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit China at the end of this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. The visit, scheduled from August 31 to September 1, comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and marks PM Modi’s first trip to China in seven years, his last being for the SCO summit in 2018.

A Crucial Opportunity for Rapprochement

This high-stakes visit occurs against the backdrop of strained relations between India and China, exacerbated by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. While both nations have engaged in multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks to de-escalate border tensions, a complete resolution remains elusive. This visit, therefore, presents a crucial opportunity for a strategic “reset” of bilateral ties.

The recent visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India, where he met with PM Modi and extended the invitation from President Xi, laid the groundwork for this summit. During their meeting, PM Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the border and stressed that a fair and mutually acceptable solution to the border dispute is essential for the normalization of relations. The upcoming meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the SCO summit is expected to focus on these critical issues.

Navigating Global Geopolitical Shifts

PM Modi’s visit also takes place amidst a heated trade war between the United States and China. The U.S. has imposed significant tariffs on Chinese goods, impacting global trade and creating a complex geopolitical landscape. In this context, India’s role and its strategic positioning become even more critical.

India’s active participation in multilateral forums like the SCO underscores its growing influence as a key player in resolving regional and global issues. The summit provides a platform for India to engage with both China and Russia, thereby balancing its relationships with major world powers. This visit could help India maintain a delicate equilibrium between its deepening ties with the U.S. and the necessity of managing its relationship with its largest Asian neighbor.

The Path Forward

Beyond border issues, the bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Xi are likely to cover a wide range of topics, including trade, investment, and economic cooperation. China’s recent assurances to cooperate with India on the supply of fertilizers, rare earth minerals, and tunnel-boring machines suggest a shared interest in strengthening economic links.

This visit has the potential to demonstrate that despite their differences, India and China can find common ground for cooperation. A successful summit would not only contribute to the stability and prosperity of the region but also set a precedent for how major powers can navigate complex geopolitical challenges. The world will be watching closely to see if this visit can truly pave the way for a new, more constructive chapter in India-China relations.