PM Modi Meets Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Signals Progress in India-China Ties Ahead of SCO Summit

In a significant step toward strengthening India-China relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on August 19, 2025, at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi. The meeting, marked by a warm exchange, saw Wang Yi deliver a personal message and an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping for PM Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, scheduled for August 31 to September 1, 2025. Modi accepted the invitation, expressing optimism about the steady progress in bilateral ties since his last meeting with President Xi in Kazan in October 2024.

A Diplomatic Thaw Post-Galwan

The meeting comes as part of ongoing efforts to mend India-China relations, which were severely strained following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other’s interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity.”

During the meeting, Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border, reiterating India’s commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary question. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that Modi welcomed the positive developments in bilateral ties, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant cultural and religious pilgrimage that had been suspended in recent years. He also expressed support for China’s presidency of the SCO Summit, highlighting its role in fostering regional cooperation.

High-Level Engagements Set the Tone

Wang Yi’s visit, spanning August 18–19, 2025, included key discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. On August 18, Jaishankar met Wang Yi in New Delhi, stressing that “differences must not become disputes” and emphasizing the need for peace along the border as a foundation for positive momentum in ties. Jaishankar also raised concerns about terrorism, calling for a united stance against it in all its forms, and discussed issues like trade, pilgrimage, and river data sharing.

On August 19, Wang Yi co-chaired the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives (SR) on the India-China boundary question with Doval. Both sides described the talks as “comprehensive, in-depth, and productive,” noting an “upward trend” in relations since the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan. Doval highlighted that borders have remained quiet, with peace and tranquility prevailing, and bilateral engagements becoming more substantial. Wang Yi echoed this optimism, stating that the setbacks of recent years, particularly post-Galwan, were not in the interest of either nation, and that a stable relationship serves both countries’ long-term goals.

SCO Summit: A Platform for Dialogue

The upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin, the largest in the organization’s history with leaders from over 20 countries, offers a critical opportunity for India and China to further their dialogue. PM Modi’s acceptance of President Xi’s invitation marks his first visit to China since the 2018 SCO Summit, signaling a cautious but positive reset in ties. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described the summit as a “gathering of solidarity, friendship, and fruitful results,” expressing confidence that Modi’s participation would contribute to its success.

Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, conveyed Beijing’s intent to deepen political trust, expand cooperation, and manage differences to ensure stable bilateral development. The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, alongside recent agreements on LAC patrolling to end the four-year border standoff, reflects tangible progress. However, India remains firm on addressing concerns like cross-border terrorism and China’s construction of a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which could impact downstream water flows.

Regional and Global Implications

The warming of India-China ties comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape, with trade tensions rising due to U.S. tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil. Some analysts suggest that China’s outreach is partly driven by a desire to counterbalance these pressures, while India seeks to maintain strategic autonomy through engagements with both Russia and China, as evidenced by Jaishankar’s upcoming visit to Moscow. The SCO Summit will likely see further discussions among India, China, and Russia, reinforcing the trilateral axis within the broader SCO framework.

Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users cautiously optimistic about improved trade and diplomatic relations, while others urge vigilance, citing China’s support for Pakistan and the need for concrete actions on border disputes. One user noted, “Diplomatic talks are good, but actions speak louder than words. China needs to show they’re serious about peace by withdrawing troops from all disputed areas.”

A Path to Stability

PM Modi’s meeting with Wang Yi underscores India’s commitment to building a stable, cooperative relationship with China, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest. As Modi prepares to meet President Xi in Tianjin, the focus remains on sustaining border peace, resolving the boundary question, and expanding people-to-people and economic ties. With both nations emphasizing the global benefits of their partnership, the SCO Summit could mark a pivotal moment in shaping a constructive future for India-China relations.