Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to be warmly received by Chinese President Xi Jinping at Tianjin Airport ahead of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, set to take place on August 31 and September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also attend the summit, joining the trilateral gathering of leaders after nearly a year since they last met at the BRICS Summit in Russia.
The SCO Summit, hosted by China for the fifth time, will convene leaders from Central, South, and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This year’s summit aims to reinforce global south solidarity and geopolitical ties amid ongoing global challenges such as trade tensions and shifting alliances.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks his first trip to China in over seven years and is anticipated to contribute significantly to regional stability and cooperation, especially after recent de-escalation along the India-China border following the 2020 clashes. Diplomatic sources indicate that Modi is expected to hold bilateral discussions on the sidelines, including potential talks with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin to address key issues of mutual interest and cooperation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted the strategic importance of ties with Russia, signaling a robust partnership amid global geopolitical shifts. The summit is also viewed as a platform for China to showcase the strength of multilateral forums like SCO in shaping a multipolar world order.
The Tianjin summit reflects India’s active participation in institutional mechanisms such as SCO and underscores its growing diplomatic engagements with global powers to navigate complex international challenges while pursuing strategic autonomy.
