In the latest Daily news highlights, sources say that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit China from August 31 to September 1 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. His trip will also include a visit to Japan for the annual India-Japan summit.
If confirmed, this will be PM Modi’s first visit to China since 2018 and the first after the eastern Ladakh border tensions that began in 2020. This visit is being seen as an important step in India-China relations and could set the tone for future talks.
Why This Visit Matters
- First China visit in seven years: PM Modi last visited China in 2018 before the Ladakh border standoff.
- Post-border tension talks: The trip comes after both nations agreed to manage patrols along their disputed border.
- A chance to rebuild trust: Leaders are expected to discuss ways to restore stability and cooperation.
Background of India-China Talks
PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last met face-to-face in October 2024 during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.
That was their first structured meeting since October 2019. It happened soon after India and China reached a new agreement on how to patrol their disputed border.
During the meeting, PM Modi told Xi Jinping:
“Maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain our priority. Mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual sensitivity should guide our relationship. I am confident our discussions will be constructive.”
In response, Xi Jinping stressed the importance of better communication and cooperation between the two countries and urged them to properly manage differences. He also said both nations should set an example for developing countries by working together.
Recent Developments in India-China Relations
Earlier this year, India and China agreed to hold talks to resolve specific issues in trade and economics. They are working to stabilize and rebuild ties after the Ladakh military standoff.
Key points from these talks include:
- Plans to restart direct air services between India and China, which have been suspended since 2020.
- Foreign secretary-level talks in New Delhi between India’s Vikram Misri and China’s Sun Weidong to improve cooperation.
- Efforts to boost trade and economic collaboration in the coming months.
Terrorism Concerns and Regional Politics
In June, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China but refused to sign the joint statement.
The reason: the statement failed to mention the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, although it did mention a hijacking incident in Pakistan.
China had initially supported Pakistan in past conflicts. However, after the United States declared The Resistance Front (TRF) — a group linked to the April 22 attack — as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, China condemned the attack.
China’s foreign ministry stated:
“We firmly oppose all forms of terrorism and call for stronger cooperation to maintain regional security.”
About the SCO
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a major 10-nation political and security group. Its members include:
- China
- Russia
- India
- Iran
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Pakistan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
- Belarus
It focuses on regional security, political cooperation, and economic partnerships among its members.
This Breaking News visit could mark a turning point for India-China relations, opening the door for peace, trade growth, and stronger regional ties. World leaders will be closely watching PM Modi’s moves during the SCO summit, as his talks with Xi Jinping may set the course for the next chapter in Asian diplomacy.
