Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with China during a meeting with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.
Modi emphasized that India seeks to improve relations based on “mutual respect, trust and sensitivities,” asserting that these ties should not be influenced by third-party pressures, such as those from Washington.
The meeting takes place less than a week after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, a move that has rattled trade relations and inflicted pressure on the Indian economy.
During their bilateral discussions, Modi and Xi acknowledged an improved atmosphere along their disputed Himalayan border following troop disengagement. Both leaders underscored progress toward restoring direct flights, resuming trade, and enhancing people-to-people links.
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Analysts observe that Modi’s outreach to China reflects India’s strategic balancing amid escalating U.S. economic pressure, reinforcing the country’s stance on maintaining autonomy in its foreign relations.
