Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's videos and photos of meeting world leaders, especially Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, during the now-concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), are going viral on the internet. While Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif also attended the SCO Summit, there was no exchange of smiles or handshake with PM Modi. Nor did the Indian PM have a bilateral meeting with the Pakistani counterpart. Moreover, a video of PM Modi speaking to Putin while seemingly ignoring the Pakistan PM has also surfaced. Amid all of this, another video of Sharif's awkward handshake with the Russian president is doing the rounds on the internet.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-at-sco-summit-says-india-bearing-brunt-of-terrorism-for-last-four-decades-thanks-countries-that-stood-by-us-during-pahalgam-terror-attack-1756700589722">PM Modi at SCO Summit says India ‘bearing brunt of terrorism for last four decades’</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">While other leaders showed composure, Pakistan PM Shehabaz Sharif came running to Putin to shake his hand.... pathetic attention seeking behaviour. Xi Jinping realised what Shehbaz was going to do, so he looked the other way and ignored him 😭 <a href="https://t.co/NAEeDw2oyY">pic.twitter.com/NAEeDw2oyY</a>— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Incognito_qfs/status/1962164856800584181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-at-sco-summit-in-two-car-rides-and-body-language-bonhomie-indian-pm-was-given-x-s-favourite-ride-and-had-putin-by-the-side-at-tinjian-1756706706483">Modi at SCO summit in two car rides and body language bonhomie</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-pm-modi-xi-jinping-vladimir-putin-clicked-together-in-china-1756718932660/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-pm-modi-xi-jinping-vladimir-putin-clicked-together-in-china-1756718932660/embed</a>&nbsp;This short video clip from the summit, Russian President Putin and Chinese premier Xi Jinping are seen walking side by side. Then, Pakistani PM Sharif is seen coming from behind and is seen rushing towards Putin to shake hands. While Putin turns around to shake his hand, Jinping didn't turn back to look at Sharif and kept walking. Sharif's reaction has made him a target for the social media trolls. In another video, PM Modi is seen having a conversation with Russian President Putin as they walk past Sharif. The Pakistani PM is seen glancing at them, seemingly anticipating a greeting or acknowledgement, but both leaders continue ahead without offering him any attention.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-ignored-shehbaz-sharif-at-sco-summit-netizens-troll-pak-pm-on-social-media-watch-1756702414074">PM Modi ignored Shehbaz Sharif at SCO summit? Netizens troll Pak PM on social media</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch: Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif looks on as PM Modi, Russian President Putin walks past him at the SCO summit <a href="https://t.co/aqIMQBuI6v">pic.twitter.com/aqIMQBuI6v</a>— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1962345522066321526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At the SCO Summit 2025, PM Modi’s interactions with Putin and Xi went viral, while Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif faced social media trolling for an awkward handshake with Putin and being seemingly ignored by Modi. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's videos and photos of meeting world leaders, especially Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, during the now-concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), are going viral on the internet. While Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif also attended the SCO Summit, there was no exchange of smiles or handshake with PM Modi. Nor did the Indian PM have a bilateral meeting with the Pakistani counterpart. Moreover, a video of PM Modi speaking to Putin while seemingly ignoring the Pakistan PM has also surfaced. Amid all of this, another video of Sharif's awkward handshake with the Russian president is doing the rounds on the internet. Read More | PM Modi at SCO Summit says India ‘bearing brunt of terrorism for last four decades’

At the SCO Summit 2025, PM Modi’s interactions with Putin and Xi went viral, while Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif faced social media trolling for an awkward handshake with Putin and being seemingly ignored by Modi.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif rushes for handshake with Putin, gets 'ignored' by Xi Jinping at SCO Summit- WATCH

As the SCO Summit 2025 unfolds, global attention turns to a surprising mix of diplomatic signals and geopolitical shifts. Despite a recent tariff move jolting India-US trade ties, the US Embassy has reiterated the "enduring friendship" between the two nations a statement that comes just as Russia, India, and China (RIC) showcase rare unity at the summit.

Trump administration shows signs of confusion on its stand on relations with India

At the SCO summit, India, China and Russia emphasized unity and multipolarity. President Putin praised India's contributions, while Modi and Xi highlighted the SCO's role in reshaping global power dynamics. Is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation emerging as a counterweight to Western influence?


SCO Summit 2025: Modi vision of Asian century, Putin handclasp, Xi new world order drive SCO agenda

At the SCO summit, India, China and Russia emphasized unity and multipolarity. The summit is drawing global attention as experts analyze its impact on international markets, trade flows, energy cooperation and financial stability.


SCO Summit 2025: impact of SCO on global markets explained 

At the SCO Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in China’s iconic Hongqi L5 state car—symbolizing diplomatic respect and national pride. After the summit, he departed alongside President Vladimir Putin in Russia’s heavily armoured Aurus Senat limousine, where the two leaders reportedly held private discussions. These vehicles reflect how nations use ceremonial transport to project soft power and strengthen political ties.

 Putin arrives in luxury Aurus as PM Modi cruises in Hongqi L5

At the SCO Summit 2025, a high-tech robot capable of mimicking human hand gestures drew major attention. Demonstrated during a tech showcase on the sidelines of the event, the robot highlighted advances in AI, gesture recognition, and human-machine interaction.

The innovation represents growing cooperation among SCO member states in science, technology, and AI development.

SCO Summit 2025: High-tech robot copies hand gestures

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held high-level bilateral discussions. The talks focused on strengthening strategic cooperation, defense ties, energy partnerships and regional stability.


SCO Summit 2025: PM Modi and Russian president Putin reaffirm enduring partnership

SCO summit 2025: SCO condemns Pahalgam attack, says 'punish perpetrators' 

SCO summit 2025: SCO condemns Pahalgam attack, says 'punish perpetrators of attack' 

SCO summit 2025: SCO condemns Pahalgam attack, says 'punish perpetrators'

SCO Summit 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, highlighting terrorism as a global challenge and referencing the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where innocent civilians were killed.


SCO Summit 2025: SCO condemns Pahalgam attack, says 'punish perpetrators of attack

SCO Summit 2025: SCO strongly condemns Pahalgam Terror attack after PM Modi's address

SCO Summit 2025: WION brings you an interview with CGTN’s Journalist Wang Tianyu on India -China ties and the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin. Watch the video to know more on this!


SCO Summit 2025: WION speaks to CGTN journalist Wang Tianyu on India China ties

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit 2025 is being held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, where top leaders like PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin, among other prominent leaders, were part of the meeting. But surprisingly, a visual of PM Modi ignoring Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif surfaced from the event, which is making the rounds on the internet.&nbsp;A visual of the event shared on the social media platform X shows PM Modi having a conversation with Russian President Putin as they walk past Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif is seen glancing at them, seemingly anticipating a greeting or acknowledgement, but both leaders continue ahead without offering him any attention.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch: Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif looks on as PM Modi, Russian President Putin walks past him at the SCO summit <a href="https://t.co/aqIMQBuI6v">pic.twitter.com/aqIMQBuI6v</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1962345522066321526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The sense of distance was also evident during the customary SCO leaders' group photograph, where Modi and Sharif stood noticeably apart.&nbsp;Tension between India and Pakistan remains high after Operation Sindoor, India’s May 7 cross-border strike carried out in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which has kept India–Pakistan relations on edge in recent months.&nbsp;The SCO deliberations unfolded against a backdrop of global trade turbulence triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff moves. His administration has slapped a universal 10 percent tariff and steep China-specific duties, with a temporary truce in place until November 10.<h3>Netizens respond to viral post</h3>Meanwhile, WION shared a screenshot of the visual on X, in which Modi and Putin are seen talking, and Shehbaz Sharif can be seen gazing at them. WION asked netizens, “A glance speaks louder than words? Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif watches as Indian PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk past him at the SCO summit. What do you think is going through his mind?”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A glance speaks louder than words? Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif watches as Indian PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk past him at the SCO summit. What do you think is going through his mind? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONatSCO2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONatSCO2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/g7YDKQBoHG">pic.twitter.com/g7YDKQBoHG</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1962350171611947255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On this, visual netizens flooded the comment sections with mixed opinions and sarcasms.&nbsp;One of the netizens responded to the visual, "I will report this to Asim Munir."&nbsp;The next said, "Modi to Putin - Ye Baaju me jo khada hai na usko ham logo ne kuch din pahale mast pela hai."&nbsp;Another said, "This will be a lifelong embarrassment photo for the pigs."&nbsp;"How do Pakistanis live with this constant embarassment? The sheer humiliation everyday morning as they wake up. Every single Phucking day— Day in Day Out," the next also said.&nbsp;Another also said, "Modi to Putin : S-400 worked great , ask this guy on my left."

During the summit, Sharif is seen glancing at Modi and Putin, seemingly anticipating a greeting or acknowledgement, but both leaders continue ahead without offering him any attention.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit 2025 is being held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, where top leaders like PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin, among other prominent leaders, were part of the meeting. But surprisingly, a visual of PM Modi ignoring Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif surfaced from the event, which is making the rounds on the internet. A visual of the event shared on the social media platform X shows PM Modi having a conversation with Russian President Putin as they walk past Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif is seen glancing at them, seemingly anticipating a greeting or acknowledgement, but both leaders continue ahead without offering him any attention.

During the summit, Sharif is seen glancing at Modi and Putin, seemingly anticipating a greeting or acknowledgement, but both leaders continue ahead without offering him any attention.

PM Modi ignored Shehbaz Sharif at SCO summit? Netizens troll Pak PM on social media | WATCH

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday (Sep 1) urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to "make the pie of cooperation bigger" and strengthen solidarity amid global challenges. Addressing the summit in Tianjin, Xi said the SCO has grown into the world's largest regional organisation, with 26 participating countries, cooperation in over 50 fields, and a combined economic output of nearly USD 30 trillion. Its international influence, he noted, was "increasing day by day.""Looking back, we have weathered storms on our journey, and emerged stronger because we have adhered to the Shanghai spirit," Xi said. "Looking ahead, we should carry forward the Shanghai spirit in a world fraught with challenges and changes," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/live-updates/world/pm-modi-china-visit-sco-summit-2025-tianjin-xi-jinping-putin-india-china-relations-russia-us-tariffs-bilateral-talks-trade-crude-oil-1756687315958">SCO Summit 2025 Day 2: Xi Jinping pushes for unity in Tianjin, warns of global challenges ahead</a><h2>SCO members must seek 'common ground'</h2>Calling on members to seek common ground while setting aside differences, Xi said, "SCO member states are all friends and partners. We should respect our differences, maintain strategic communication, build up consensus and strengthen solidarity and collaboration," he said.Xi added that "We should make the pie of cooperation bigger," and said that expanding cooperation would allow member nations to "fully utilise the endowment of every country". He said this would help member states "fulfill our responsibility for peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region".

Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, has called on member states to "make the pie of cooperation bigger" and strengthen solidarity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday (Sep 1) urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to "make the pie of cooperation bigger" and strengthen solidarity amid global challenges. Addressing the summit in Tianjin, Xi said the SCO has grown into the world's largest regional organisation, with 26 participating countries, cooperation in over 50 fields, and a combined economic output of nearly USD 30 trillion. Its international influence, he noted, was "increasing day by day." "Looking back, we have weathered storms on our journey, and emerged stronger because we have adhered to the Shanghai spirit," Xi said. "Looking ahead, we should carry forward the Shanghai spirit in a world fraught with challenges and changes," he added. Also read | SCO Summit 2025 Day 2: Xi Jinping pushes for unity in Tianjin, warns of global challenges ahead SCO members must seek 'common ground' Calling on members to seek common ground while setting aside differences, Xi said, "SCO member states are all friends and partners. We should respect our differences, maintain strategic communication, build up consensus and strengthen solidarity and collaboration," he said. Xi added that "We should make the pie of cooperation bigger," and said that expanding cooperation would allow member nations to "fully utilise the endowment of every country". He said this would help member states "fulfill our responsibility for peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region".

Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, has called on member states to "make the pie of cooperation bigger" and strengthen solidarity.

‘World’s largest regional bloc’: Xi Jinping urges cooperation, pitches SCO as $30 trillion powerhouse

Ever since PM Modi came into power in 2014, there were several instances till 2025 when he met with President Putin to maintain a stronger tie between India and Russia. Let's have a look at the timeline of meetings.

Ever since PM Modi came into power in 2014, there were several instances till 2025 when he met with President Putin to maintain a stronger tie between India and Russia. Let's have a look at the timeline of meetings.

From first summit to SCO 2025: Timeline of Modi–Putin relations that shaped India–Russia ties since 2014

The SCO Summit 2025 is underway in Tianjin, China, and brings together over 20 world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and India’s Narendra Modi, making it the largest gathering of leadership under the forum ever. The leadership would be aiming to devise a strategy for geopolitical realignment and bolstering ties among non-Western nations for a multipolar vision amid the economic turmoil unleashed by Trump tariffs. However, with the US imposing high tariffs on India, citing the Ukraine War, and threatening further crippling sanctions on Russia for failure to strike a peace deal, the Moscow-Kyiv conflict would definitely crop up in the talks.&nbsp;<h2>Is the Ukraine War on summit agenda?</h2>&nbsp;Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky wishes SCO leaders would pressure Putin for a ceasefire, as he has been reiterating that “without pressure from the world, there will be no end to the war.”&nbsp;Zelensky called Indian PM Narendra Modi on the eve of the summit, and the latter reaffirmed support for a peaceful resolution. PM Modi has endorsed dialogue and negotiation multiple times, and his remark, “This is not an era of war” was hailed all over and is still oft repeated by others.&nbsp;<h2>What is Beijing’s stand on the ‘Ukraine crisis’?</h2>&nbsp;China publicly endorses dialogue and negotiation as the only viable solution to the conflict but continues to be a major supplier of dual-use and sensitive goods that bolster Russia’s war efforts.&nbsp;China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war is strategic, multifaceted, and deliberately ambiguous. Beijing claims neutrality and calls for peace, but it has helped Moscow in several indirect but impactful ways.&nbsp;China has been a critical supplier of dual-use items—goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes—to Russia. These include semiconductors and electronics used in drones, missile systems, and communications, and commercial drones that can be repurposed.&nbsp;China has also helped Russia diplomatically on the global stage and abstained or voted against resolutions condemning Russia at the UN.&nbsp;Besides, China’s foreign ministry and state media consistently refer to the war as the “Ukraine crisis,” and avoid the word “invasion.”&nbsp;<h2>Is India really helping Russia in its war?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;India is not directly helping Russia wage war against Ukraine, but it maintains a “strategic neutrality” and refuses to condemn Russia. India is also a big buyer of Russia’s crude oil, and nearly 40% of its crude imports are from Russia. India also adopted diplomatic neutrality that benefited Russia and has abstained from most UN votes condemning Russia or sanctioning it.&nbsp;India repeatedly states that it supports dialogue and diplomacy but refuses to criticise Moscow publicly.&nbsp;But then India’s tilt towards Moscow is not newfound. India has longstanding defence ties with Russia, and over 60–70% of Indian military gear is of Russian origin.&nbsp;Moreover, it is strategically beneficial for India to keep cordial ties with both Russia and the West, especially amid its border tensions with China.&nbsp;<h2>What may happen ultimately?</h2>&nbsp;SCO usually tends to avoid divisive topics on which its member states have divergent views. While the Ukraine War may figure in bilateral conversations, it’s not expected to be a formal item in the summit agenda.Moreover, the summit is more about presenting a united Global South than looking for a diplomatic breakthrough on the Ukraine War, and hence, without a formal consensus, the summit’s impact on the conflict is likely to remain limited.

The leaders at the SCO Summit would be primarily aiming to devise a strategy for geopolitical realignment and bolstering ties among non-Western nations for a multipolar vision amid the economic turmoil unleashed by Trump tariffs, but the Ukraine War would definitely crop up in the talks.

The SCO Summit 2025 is underway in Tianjin, China, and brings together over 20 world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and India’s Narendra Modi, making it the largest gathering of leadership under the forum ever. The leadership would be aiming to devise a strategy for geopolitical realignment and bolstering ties among non-Western nations for a multipolar vision amid the economic turmoil unleashed by Trump tariffs. However, with the US imposing high tariffs on India, citing the Ukraine War, and threatening further crippling sanctions on Russia for failure to strike a peace deal, the Moscow-Kyiv conflict would definitely crop up in the talks. Is the Ukraine War on summit agenda? Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky wishes SCO leaders would pressure Putin for a ceasefire, as he has been reiterating that “without pressure from the world, there will be no end to the war.” Zelensky called Indian PM Narendra Modi on the eve of the summit, and the latter reaffirmed support for a peaceful resolution. PM Modi has endorsed dialogue and negotiation multiple times, and his remark, “This is not an era of war” was hailed all over and is still oft repeated by others. What is Beijing’s stand on the ‘Ukraine crisis’? China publicly endorses dialogue and negotiation as the only viable solution to the conflict but continues to be a major supplier of dual-use and sensitive goods that bolster Russia’s war efforts. China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war is strategic, multifaceted, and deliberately ambiguous. Beijing claims neutrality and calls for peace, but it has helped Moscow in several indirect but impactful ways. China has been a critical supplier of dual-use items—goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes—to Russia. These include semiconductors and electronics used in drones, missile systems, and communications, and commercial drones that can be repurposed. China has also helped Russia diplomatically on the global stage and abstained or voted against resolutions condemning Russia at the UN. Besides, China’s foreign ministry and state media consistently refer to the war as the “Ukraine crisis,” and avoid the word “invasion.” Is India really helping Russia in its war? India is not directly helping Russia wage war against Ukraine, but it maintains a “strategic neutrality” and refuses to condemn Russia. India is also a big buyer of Russia’s crude oil, and nearly 40% of its crude imports are from Russia. India also adopted diplomatic neutrality that benefited Russia and has abstained from most UN votes condemning Russia or sanctioning it. India repeatedly states that it supports dialogue and diplomacy but refuses to criticise Moscow publicly. But then India’s tilt towards Moscow is not newfound. India has longstanding defence ties with Russia, and over 60–70% of Indian military gear is of Russian origin. Moreover, it is strategically beneficial for India to keep cordial ties with both Russia and the West, especially amid its border tensions with China. What may happen ultimately? SCO usually tends to avoid divisive topics on which its member states have divergent views. While the Ukraine War may figure in bilateral conversations, it’s not expected to be a formal item in the summit agenda. Moreover, the summit is more about presenting a united Global South than looking for a diplomatic breakthrough on the Ukraine War, and hence, without a formal consensus, the summit’s impact on the conflict is likely to remain limited.

The leaders at the SCO Summit would be primarily aiming to devise a strategy for geopolitical realignment and bolstering ties among non-Western nations for a multipolar vision amid the economic turmoil unleashed by Trump tariffs, but the Ukraine War would definitely crop up in the talks.

Will the SCO Summit alter course of Ukraine War, help end the stalemate?

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on 31 August. The meeting comes after India and China decided to strengthen their relationship amid global trade rows sparked by US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Meeting of PM Modi with Xi, China marks a significant move as it is the prime minister's first trip to China since April-May 2020, when India and China's relations became sour following a military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). They also met last year at Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, ending a four-year deadlock in ties over military tensions in Eastern Ladakh.<h3>What is the history of India-China ties?</h3>From Jawaharlal Nehru's 1954 visit to China, which introduced the Panchsheel principles, to the 2003 visit of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with several agreements signed, India-China ties have come a long way.&nbsp;Take a look at a timeline of key events in India-China relations over the last several decades:&nbsp;1949: After Burma, India becomes the second non-communist nation to recognise the People's Republic of China.&nbsp;1950: Diplomatic ties were established between India and China.&nbsp;1954: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, or Panchsheel, was signed between India and China, assuring each other's territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence.&nbsp;1959: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama escaped with an estimated 80,000 followers and established a "government-in-exile" in India.&nbsp;1962: India and China fought their first war over the border issue.&nbsp;1976: After a 15-year hiatus, the two nations restore full diplomatic ties.&nbsp;1979: The then Foreign Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China.&nbsp;1981: Chinese Foreign Minister Huang Hu visited India and began an annual dialogue with India.&nbsp;1988: Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi paid his visit to China and set up a joint working group on boundary disputes.&nbsp;1991: Chinese Premier Li Peng visited India, the first by a Chinese premier in 31 years.&nbsp;1993: PM PV Narasimha Rao also paid his visit to China.&nbsp;1995: Both nations decided to pull back their troops in the eastern sector.&nbsp;1996: Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited India&nbsp;2000: India, China sign a bilateral trade pact to facilitate Beijing's early entry into the WTO.&nbsp;2002: In this year, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji visited India.&nbsp;2003: The two nations reached a de facto agreement over the status of Tibet and Sikkim after PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China.&nbsp;2005: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao backs India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council while on his visit to India.&nbsp;Later, after the military standoff along the borders in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 during the Galwan clashes, India-China ties soured.&nbsp;June 2020: A deadly clash in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley left 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops dead after brutal hand-to-hand fighting. The incident prompted New Delhi to tighten scrutiny of Chinese investments, ban several popular mobile apps from China, and suspend direct passenger flights between the two countries.&nbsp;Dec 2022: Fresh tensions erupted when Indian and Chinese soldiers engaged in minor scuffles in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, a region China continues to claim as part of southern Tibet.&nbsp;Aug 2023: On the sidelines of a summit of the BRICS grouping of nations, Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping meet in Johannesburg and agreed to increase efforts to disengage and de-escalate tensions.&nbsp;Sep 2024: While speaking at an event in Geneva, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said that about 75 per cent of the "disengagement" problems at India's border with China had been restored.&nbsp;Oct 2024: India and China struck a new agreement on patrolling their contested frontier, aimed at defusing the long-running military standoff. Later that month, Modi and Xi held their first formal meeting in five years during a BRICS summit in Russia.&nbsp;Dec 2024: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval travelled to Beijing for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marking the first formal engagement since the October deal.&nbsp;Jan 2025: Wang and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions in Beijing, agreeing to restore direct air services and to work on ironing out trade and economic differences.&nbsp;April 2025: A spokesperson from the Chinese embassy said India and China should cooperate more closely to counter challenges created by tariffs introduced under the Trump administration.&nbsp;July 2025: Jaishankar made his first visit to China in five years, stressing that both countries must resolve border frictions, scale down troop deployments, and ease trade restrictions to restore normalcy in relations.&nbsp;Aug 2025: During a visit to New Delhi, Wang told Jaishankar that India and China should build a “correct strategic understanding” and treat each other as partners rather than rivals.

From Jawaharlal Nehru’s 1954 visit to China, which introduced the Panchsheel principles, to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 2003 visit that saw several agreements signed, India–China relations have come a long way.

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on 31 August. The meeting comes after India and China decided to strengthen their relationship amid global trade rows sparked by US President Donald Trump. Meeting of PM Modi with Xi, China marks a significant move as it is the prime minister's first trip to China since April-May 2020, when India and China's relations became sour following a military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). They also met last year at Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, ending a four-year deadlock in ties over military tensions in Eastern Ladakh. What is the history of India-China ties? From Jawaharlal Nehru's 1954 visit to China, which introduced the Panchsheel principles, to the 2003 visit of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with several agreements signed, India-China ties have come a long way. Take a look at a timeline of key events in India-China relations over the last several decades: 1949: After Burma, India becomes the second non-communist nation to recognise the People's Republic of China. 1950: Diplomatic ties were established between India and China. 1954: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, or Panchsheel, was signed between India and China, assuring each other's territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence. 1959: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama escaped with an estimated 80,000 followers and established a "government-in-exile" in India. 1962: India and China fought their first war over the border issue. 1976: After a 15-year hiatus, the two nations restore full diplomatic ties. 1979: The then Foreign Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China. 1981: Chinese Foreign Minister Huang Hu visited India and began an annual dialogue with India. 1988: Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi paid his visit to China and set up a joint working group on boundary disputes. 1991: Chinese Premier Li Peng visited India, the first by a Chinese premier in 31 years. 1993: PM PV Narasimha Rao also paid his visit to China. 1995: Both nations decided to pull back their troops in the eastern sector. 1996: Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited India 2000: India, China sign a bilateral trade pact to facilitate Beijing's early entry into the WTO. 2002: In this year, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji visited India. 2003: The two nations reached a de facto agreement over the status of Tibet and Sikkim after PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China. 2005: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao backs India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council while on his visit to India. Later, after the military standoff along the borders in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 during the Galwan clashes, India-China ties soured. June 2020: A deadly clash in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley left 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops dead after brutal hand-to-hand fighting. The incident prompted New Delhi to tighten scrutiny of Chinese investments, ban several popular mobile apps from China, and suspend direct passenger flights between the two countries. Dec 2022: Fresh tensions erupted when Indian and Chinese soldiers engaged in minor scuffles in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, a region China continues to claim as part of southern Tibet. Aug 2023: On the sidelines of a summit of the BRICS grouping of nations, Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping meet in Johannesburg and agreed to increase efforts to disengage and de-escalate tensions. Sep 2024: While speaking at an event in Geneva, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said that about 75 per cent of the "disengagement" problems at India's border with China had been restored. Oct 2024: India and China struck a new agreement on patrolling their contested frontier, aimed at defusing the long-running military standoff. Later that month, Modi and Xi held their first formal meeting in five years during a BRICS summit in Russia. Dec 2024: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval travelled to Beijing for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marking the first formal engagement since the October deal. Jan 2025: Wang and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions in Beijing, agreeing to restore direct air services and to work on ironing out trade and economic differences. April 2025: A spokesperson from the Chinese embassy said India and China should cooperate more closely to counter challenges created by tariffs introduced under the Trump administration. July 2025: Jaishankar made his first visit to China in five years, stressing that both countries must resolve border frictions, scale down troop deployments, and ease trade restrictions to restore normalcy in relations. Aug 2025: During a visit to New Delhi, Wang told Jaishankar that India and China should build a “correct strategic understanding” and treat each other as partners rather than rivals.

From Jawaharlal Nehru’s 1954 visit to China, which introduced the Panchsheel principles, to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 2003 visit that saw several agreements signed, India–China relations have come a long way.

From Nehru to Modi: A timeline of India-China ties since Panchsheel agreement

The sticking points between India and China revolve around territorial claims, particularly in border areas that include Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, differing interpretations of the McMahon Line, and numerous disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Sikkim, and other sectors. These disputes lead to border tensions, troop disengagements, and ongoing talks to manage the unresolved boundary.&nbsp;Delicate points such as the Yangtse and the Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh have become flashpoints, with China seeking access to patrol areas that India has long controlled. The tension further escalated when such demands were seen as attempts at incremental territorial encroachment, according to a report in the Financial Express.<h3>Border clashes and talks</h3>Incident of December 2022, the Yangtse skirmish, where troops clashed using improvised weapons, which served as grim reminders of how misjudged actions can spark serious conflict. As per the BBC report, despite military-level talks, tensions continue. Troops from both ends clashed for the first time in more than a year in December 2022 near the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh state, the eastern tip of India, where some soldiers suffered minor injuries.&nbsp;De-escalation work has taken place since a major clash in June 2020 during the Galwan Valley battle, where a fight took place with sticks and clubs, marking the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975.&nbsp;Another face-off in January 2021 took place near India's Sikkim state, between Bhutan and Nepal, where several troops on both sides were injured. Later, in September 2021, China accused India of firing shots at its troops. Then India accused China of firing into the air. However, both countries agreed to disengage from a disputed western Himalayan border area in the same month, according to a report in the BBC.&nbsp;Meanwhile, several rounds of border talks with both military and diplomatic, have been ongoing for the past few years. India and China have exchanged proposals, agreed upon some guiding principles since 2005, and followed through with multiple rounds of working-level and senior-official meetings. Yet, resolving the boundary question in any lasting, mutually agreeable way remains elusive.&nbsp;Later, the 2024 India-China Border Patrol Agreement was an agreement reached between the two countries to de-escalate tensions after the differences arose due to a clash between the nations in Galwan Valley on 15 June 2020. This Patrol agreement has enabled both countries to maintain their patrolling as it was before the year 2020.

India-China border tension escalated over territorial claims, particularly in border areas that include Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, differing interpretations of the McMahon Line, and numerous disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and Sikkim.

The sticking points between India and China revolve around territorial claims, particularly in border areas that include Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, differing interpretations of the McMahon Line, and numerous disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Sikkim, and other sectors. These disputes lead to border tensions, troop disengagements, and ongoing talks to manage the unresolved boundary. Delicate points such as the Yangtse and the Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh have become flashpoints, with China seeking access to patrol areas that India has long controlled. The tension further escalated when such demands were seen as attempts at incremental territorial encroachment, according to a report in the Financial Express. Border clashes and talks Incident of December 2022, the Yangtse skirmish, where troops clashed using improvised weapons, which served as grim reminders of how misjudged actions can spark serious conflict. As per the BBC report, despite military-level talks, tensions continue. Troops from both ends clashed for the first time in more than a year in December 2022 near the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh state, the eastern tip of India, where some soldiers suffered minor injuries. De-escalation work has taken place since a major clash in June 2020 during the Galwan Valley battle, where a fight took place with sticks and clubs, marking the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975. Another face-off in January 2021 took place near India's Sikkim state, between Bhutan and Nepal, where several troops on both sides were injured. Later, in September 2021, China accused India of firing shots at its troops. Then India accused China of firing into the air. However, both countries agreed to disengage from a disputed western Himalayan border area in the same month, according to a report in the BBC. Meanwhile, several rounds of border talks with both military and diplomatic, have been ongoing for the past few years. India and China have exchanged proposals, agreed upon some guiding principles since 2005, and followed through with multiple rounds of working-level and senior-official meetings. Yet, resolving the boundary question in any lasting, mutually agreeable way remains elusive. Later, the 2024 India-China Border Patrol Agreement was an agreement reached between the two countries to de-escalate tensions after the differences arose due to a clash between the nations in Galwan Valley on 15 June 2020. This Patrol agreement has enabled both countries to maintain their patrolling as it was before the year 2020.

India-China border tension escalated over territorial claims, particularly in border areas that include Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, differing interpretations of the McMahon Line, and numerous disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and Sikkim.

'Years of talks, no resolution': India–China disputes over border areas in Arunachal, Sikkim and Ladakh

SCO Summit 2025: PM Modi Holds Bilateral Talks With Xi Amid Trump's Tariff War | WION World News
SCO Summit: During the SCO Summit 2025, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking his first visit to China since 2018.



SCO Summit 2025: PM Modi Holds Bilateral Talks With Xi Amid Trump's Tariff War | WION

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Tianjin on Aug 31, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the Russia-China ties and highlighted that both countries will work unitedly to strengthen the BRICS grouping. Putin's remark came amid US President Donald Trump's tariff threat against the grouping. The Russian president also slammed "discriminatory sanctions" that hinder socioeconomic development. He also praised China's role in the G20.&nbsp;In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Putin said, "We stand united in strengthening BRICS' ability to address pressing global challenges, share similar views on regional and international security, and take a common stand against discriminatory sanctions that hinder the socioeconomic development of our members and the world at large." He also said that China and Russia are working closely within BRICS to expand its role as a key pillar of global architecture. He said that the grouping is working to expand economic opportunities for member states. Highlighting that there should be equal access for all nations in forums like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the Russian president batted for reforming the "financial system" based on "true equity." Without naming the United States, he called the use of financial tools a form of “neo-colonialism.”&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-new-world-order-in-defiance-of-the-west-putin-xi-kim-will-be-in-photograph-when-they-attend-chinese-military-parade-together-1756364439983">A 'New world order' in defiance of the West? Putin, Xi, Kim will be in single photograph when they attend Chinese military parade together</a>&nbsp;"It is essential to end the use of finance as an instrument of neo-colonialism, which runs counter to the interests of the Global Majority. On the contrary, we seek progress for the benefit of all humanity," Putin was quoted by Xinhua. Calling Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia in May a "resounding success," Putin said that it had "deep symbolic significance to the further development of Russian-Chinese relations." He also said that he will visit China on the invitation of Xi Jinping. “We reaffirmed the strategic choice of our peoples in favor of strengthening the traditions of good-neighborliness, friendship, and long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.”&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-xi-jinping-hails-most-stable-ties-with-russia-ahead-of-putin-visit-1756207967263">China’s Xi Jinping hails ‘most stable’ ties with Russia ahead of Putin visit</a>&nbsp;Days ahead of the Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country's ties with Russia are the "most stable, mature and strategically significant" among major world powers. He also said that both countries should 'work together to safeguard the security and development interests.' He also said that Russia and China can unite the Global South and prove to be true multilateralists and a fair international order. In a phone call, Xi told Putin that China was happy to see the improving relations between Moscow and Washington, referring to the Alaska meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gonna-bomb-s-t-out-of-moscow-beijing-trump-told-putin-xi-jinping-bombshell-audio-reveals-1752045561641">'Gonna bomb s**t out of Moscow, Beijing': Trump told Putin, Xi Jinping - Bombshell audio REVEALS</a>

Ahead of the SCO Summit, Russia's President Vladimir Putin praised Russia-China ties and urged unity to strengthen BRICS. He slammed the sanctions as "neo-colonialism" and called for a fair financial system.

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Tianjin on Aug 31, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the Russia-China ties and highlighted that both countries will work unitedly to strengthen the BRICS grouping. Putin's remark came amid US President Donald Trump's tariff threat against the grouping. The Russian president also slammed "discriminatory sanctions" that hinder socioeconomic development. He also praised China's role in the G20. In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Putin said, "We stand united in strengthening BRICS' ability to address pressing global challenges, share similar views on regional and international security, and take a common stand against discriminatory sanctions that hinder the socioeconomic development of our members and the world at large." He also said that China and Russia are working closely within BRICS to expand its role as a key pillar of global architecture. He said that the grouping is working to expand economic opportunities for member states. Highlighting that there should be equal access for all nations in forums like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the Russian president batted for reforming the "financial system" based on "true equity." Without naming the United States, he called the use of financial tools a form of “neo-colonialism.” Read More | A 'New world order' in defiance of the West? Putin, Xi, Kim will be in single photograph when they attend Chinese military parade together "It is essential to end the use of finance as an instrument of neo-colonialism, which runs counter to the interests of the Global Majority. On the contrary, we seek progress for the benefit of all humanity," Putin was quoted by Xinhua. Calling Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia in May a "resounding success," Putin said that it had "deep symbolic significance to the further development of Russian-Chinese relations." He also said that he will visit China on the invitation of Xi Jinping. “We reaffirmed the strategic choice of our peoples in favor of strengthening the traditions of good-neighborliness, friendship, and long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.” Read More | China’s Xi Jinping hails ‘most stable’ ties with Russia ahead of Putin visit Days ahead of the Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country's ties with Russia are the "most stable, mature and strategically significant" among major world powers. He also said that both countries should 'work together to safeguard the security and development interests.' He also said that Russia and China can unite the Global South and prove to be true multilateralists and a fair international order. In a phone call, Xi told Putin that China was happy to see the improving relations between Moscow and Washington, referring to the Alaska meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump. Read More |'Gonna bomb s**t out of Moscow, Beijing': Trump told Putin, Xi Jinping - Bombshell audio REVEALS

Ahead of the SCO Summit, Russia's President Vladimir Putin praised Russia-China ties and urged unity to strengthen BRICS. He slammed the sanctions as "neo-colonialism" and called for a fair financial system.

Without naming Trump, Putin slams 'discriminatory sanctions' amid tariff war, bats for strengthening BRICS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin. Stay tuned for live updates on SCO Summit 2025.


SCO Summit 2025: Asian Superpowers Gather for Two Day SCO Summit, PM Modi to Meet Putin, Xi | WION

SCO Summit 2025: Two-day Summit to Host Over 20 Global Leaders, PM Modi to Bilateral With Putin, Xi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin. Stay tuned for live updates on SCO Summit 2025.


SCO Summit 2025: Two-day Summit to Host Over 20 Global Leaders, PM Modi to Bilateral With Putin, Xi

After a five-year military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, August 31, 2025, ahead of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin, is likely to repair ties between India and China.&nbsp;Modi and Xi last met in the Russian city of Kazan in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit within 10 months, signals a special thrust to bilateral ties and a step-by-step stabilisation of the relationship.<h3>What are the past issues between India and China?</h3>The story of India-China relations dates back to 1950, when India became the first non-socialist country to recognise the People's Republic of China. Just a few years later, both nations signed the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954, promising mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence.&nbsp;But diplomacy between the nations collapsed after the 1962 border, which left behind deep mistrust. For several years, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has remained a disputed issues that include Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. However, both sides opted for technical mechanisms like confidence-building in 1993 and 1996 along with Special representatives meetings and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 2003 visit, but no permanent resolution emerged.&nbsp;Later, things became more complex after the 2017 military standoff at the Doklam Plateau, a disputed territory at the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan, as well as soldiers from both sides died during the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Both the recent past conflicts severely fractured trust, leading to mass infrastructure restrictions, bans on Chinese apps, and the halting of pilgrimages and direct flights.<h3>Equation and today's situation</h3>After all these rows, the Modi government made an effort to increase its relations with Beijing in October 2024. Both countries reached a crucial Border Patrol Agreement, restoring pre-2020 patterns and launching disengagement at hotspots like Depsang and Demchok, with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announcing the completion of disengagement in eastern Ladakh. This breakthrough enabled a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a report in The Print.&nbsp;By early 2025, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was a meaningful symbol of renewed mutual trust, but the Ministry of Jal Shakti has revealed in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by India Today that China has stopped sharing crucial hydrological data with India since 2022.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2025-from-five-nations-to-a-global-grouping-know-the-history-of-the-organisation-1756613420726">SCO Summit 2025: From five nations to a global grouping — Know the history of the organisation</a><h3>What changed?</h3>One key driver has been shifting geopolitics amid the rise of the US tariffs and uncertainty on Indian exports, which prompted India to explore strategic flexibility, resuming engagement with China even as underlying border tensions persisted. In mid-2025, border trade discussions, resumption of direct flights, and talks around easing FDI restrictions underscore the warming mood.&nbsp;And the current ongoing SCO summit, as well as 40 40-minute meetings with the Chinese President, depict a step closer to a better relationship between the nations, countering the US and European influence.&nbsp;However, challenges remain as the strategic posture of China, including its ties with Pakistan, regional infrastructure projects like CPEC, and hegemonic instincts in South Asia, remains a point of concern for India. Economic imbalances, trade deficit and lack of final border settlement continue to weigh on long-term trust.

After PM Modi and President Xi met in the Russian city of Kazan in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit showed a sign of thrust and a step-by-step stabilisation of the relationship.

After a five-year military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, August 31, 2025, ahead of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin, is likely to repair ties between India and China. Modi and Xi last met in the Russian city of Kazan in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit within 10 months, signals a special thrust to bilateral ties and a step-by-step stabilisation of the relationship. What are the past issues between India and China? The story of India-China relations dates back to 1950, when India became the first non-socialist country to recognise the People's Republic of China. Just a few years later, both nations signed the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954, promising mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence. But diplomacy between the nations collapsed after the 1962 border, which left behind deep mistrust. For several years, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has remained a disputed issues that include Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. However, both sides opted for technical mechanisms like confidence-building in 1993 and 1996 along with Special representatives meetings and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 2003 visit, but no permanent resolution emerged. Later, things became more complex after the 2017 military standoff at the Doklam Plateau, a disputed territory at the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan, as well as soldiers from both sides died during the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Both the recent past conflicts severely fractured trust, leading to mass infrastructure restrictions, bans on Chinese apps, and the halting of pilgrimages and direct flights. Equation and today's situation After all these rows, the Modi government made an effort to increase its relations with Beijing in October 2024. Both countries reached a crucial Border Patrol Agreement, restoring pre-2020 patterns and launching disengagement at hotspots like Depsang and Demchok, with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announcing the completion of disengagement in eastern Ladakh. This breakthrough enabled a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a report in The Print. By early 2025, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was a meaningful symbol of renewed mutual trust, but the Ministry of Jal Shakti has revealed in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by India Today that China has stopped sharing crucial hydrological data with India since 2022. Also read: SCO Summit 2025: From five nations to a global grouping — Know the history of the organisation What changed? One key driver has been shifting geopolitics amid the rise of the US tariffs and uncertainty on Indian exports, which prompted India to explore strategic flexibility, resuming engagement with China even as underlying border tensions persisted. In mid-2025, border trade discussions, resumption of direct flights, and talks around easing FDI restrictions underscore the warming mood. And the current ongoing SCO summit, as well as 40 40-minute meetings with the Chinese President, depict a step closer to a better relationship between the nations, countering the US and European influence. However, challenges remain as the strategic posture of China, including its ties with Pakistan, regional infrastructure projects like CPEC, and hegemonic instincts in South Asia, remains a point of concern for India. Economic imbalances, trade deficit and lack of final border settlement continue to weigh on long-term trust.

After PM Modi and President Xi met in the Russian city of Kazan in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit showed a sign of thrust and a step-by-step stabilisation of the relationship.

India and China relations: Past issues, equation and today's situation — what changed?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China from August 31 to September 1 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, will mark his first trip since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The visit signals an increase in diplomatic ties with Beijing amid rising tensions with Washington over the Trump tariff war. World leaders' gathering in China for the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation depicts a significant step toward building a group that could counter Western influence.&nbsp;<h3>What is the History of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?</h3>Formed in 2001 in Shanghai, SCO has emerged as one of the most influential regional groupings in the world, reflecting the changing dynamics of global power. It began with six founding members, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over the years, the organisation has expanded its reach, with India and Pakistan joining in 2017, followed by Iran gaining full membership in 2023 and Belarus in 2024. Stretching across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, the SCO covers nearly half the world's population and a large share of global GDP.&nbsp;At the initial stage, SCO evolved from the Shanghai Five (China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan), a security mechanism established in 1996 to resolve border issues. Later, with the addition of Uzbekistan in 2001, the group was transformed into the SCO in Shanghai, with a broader mandate for regional security, economic, and political cooperation. The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and entered into force on September 19, 2003, making it a permanent international organisation.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2025-can-sco-and-brics-become-a-genuine-counterweight-to-western-alliances-such-as-nato-g7-and-eu-1756554676724">SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU?</a>&nbsp;Basically, the SCO was established to strengthen trust and foster co-operation among neighbouring countries, particularly in areas of security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. The early years of the organisation were focused on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. However, its roles have significantly broadened after India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus joined it.&nbsp;One of the unique aspects of the SCO is its diversity, which could bring together countries with different political systems, cultural backgrounds, and sometimes conflicting interests.

The early years of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) were focused on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. However, its roles have significantly widened after India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus joined it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China from August 31 to September 1 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, will mark his first trip since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The visit signals an increase in diplomatic ties with Beijing amid rising tensions with Washington over the Trump tariff war. World leaders' gathering in China for the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation depicts a significant step toward building a group that could counter Western influence. What is the History of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)? Formed in 2001 in Shanghai, SCO has emerged as one of the most influential regional groupings in the world, reflecting the changing dynamics of global power. It began with six founding members, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over the years, the organisation has expanded its reach, with India and Pakistan joining in 2017, followed by Iran gaining full membership in 2023 and Belarus in 2024. Stretching across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, the SCO covers nearly half the world's population and a large share of global GDP. At the initial stage, SCO evolved from the Shanghai Five (China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan), a security mechanism established in 1996 to resolve border issues. Later, with the addition of Uzbekistan in 2001, the group was transformed into the SCO in Shanghai, with a broader mandate for regional security, economic, and political cooperation. The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and entered into force on September 19, 2003, making it a permanent international organisation. Also read: SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU? Basically, the SCO was established to strengthen trust and foster co-operation among neighbouring countries, particularly in areas of security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. The early years of the organisation were focused on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. However, its roles have significantly broadened after India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus joined it. One of the unique aspects of the SCO is its diversity, which could bring together countries with different political systems, cultural backgrounds, and sometimes conflicting interests.

The early years of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) were focused on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. However, its roles have significantly widened after India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus joined it.

SCO Summit 2025: From five nations to a global grouping — Know the history of the organisation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin. Stay tuned for live updates on SCO Summit 2025.



World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are gathering in China for the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The summit comes at a time of global tension, with wars and US President Donald Trump’s policies adding to uncertainty. Many see this meeting as important for building a group that could balance Western influence.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dragon-elephant-tango-will-pm-modi-s-china-visit-change-the-indo-pacific-balance-1756550879120">'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change Indo-Pacific balance?</a><h2>Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances?</h2>Two groupings, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS, have grown in size and influence in recent years. Both present themselves as voices of the Global South and as platforms to promote a multipolar world, one less dominated by the US and Europe. The SCO, formed in 2001, now has 10 members, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan and Central Asian states, with Belarus joining in 2023. BRICS, created in 2009, has expanded to 11 countries, stretching across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Together, they cover nearly half the world’s population and a large share of global GDP.<h2>SCO: Unity with limits</h2>The SCO began as a security forum but has since expanded into economic and political cooperation. It has staged joint anti-terror drills, launched an anti-terror structure in Tashkent, and in 2024, held its first full counter-terrorism exercise using drones and robotics.Economically, SCO members discuss energy corridors, trade and investment, often linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The 2024 Astana summit saw the launch of an SCO Investors Association to support cross-border projects.Diplomatically, the SCO echoes the language of China and Russia, sovereignty, non-interference, and rejection of Western-backed “colour revolutions”. Yet deep divides persist. India and Pakistan rarely align, and India often resists anti-Western declarations. As a result, the SCO acts more as a forum than a unified bloc.<h2>BRICS: Financial tools against Western dominance</h2>BRICS started with five members (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and has grown to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, the UAE and soon Saudi Arabia. Together, they account for a quarter of global GDP. BRICS has launched its own financial institutions, the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, to rival the IMF and World Bank. The bank has issued loans in local currencies, aiming to reduce reliance on the US dollar. Ideas like BRICS Pay, a blockchain-based payment system, are meant to promote trade in members’ currencies.Diplomatically, BRICS seeks to amplify the Global South's voice. At the 2025 Rio summit, leaders called for UN Security Council reform, fairer IMF voting rights, and stronger cooperation on infrastructure. Yet the group faces limits: its members often disagree, especially on Russia’s war in Ukraine, and many remain deeply tied to Western markets.<h2>Western blocs remain more integrated</h2>Compared with the SCO and BRICS, Western alliances like NATO, the EU and the G7 remain more tightly bound. NATO is a military alliance with a collective defence clause and integrated command. The EU has a single market and currency. The G7, though informal, coordinates major economies on sanctions, climate policy and global trade.These Western blocs have deeper structures, stronger enforcement, and higher economic integration than either the SCO or BRICS. While SCO and BRICS issue joint communiqués, they lack the ability to enforce common policies.<h2>Counterweight or counterpart?</h2>Both blocs have expanded their reach: SCO now extends through Eurasia, and BRICS spans Africa, Asia, and beyond. They have established parallel institutions (e.g. SCO’s Regional Antiterrorist Structure; BRICS’s NDB and payment platforms) and issue coordinated messages on global issues. However, major limitations remain. Neither the SCO nor BRICS is a unified military or economic bloc on the model of NATO or the EU. SCO members actively avoid a NATO-like alliance, and BRICS has explicitly stopped short of a common defence structure.Many BRICS economies remain heavily tied to Western markets trade with the US and EU is still a large share of their GDP, which limits how far they can economically decouple.Meanwhile, Western alliances retain deeper integration where it counts, NATO, EU and G7 coordinate security, trade, and technology at a level that SCO and BRICS do not. NATO’s new defence commitments and the EU’s internal market dwarf the SCO’s or BRICS’s loose frameworks. Western unity also remains a comparative advantage: for now, the G7 and EU speak with a largely coherent voice on sanctions and trade (despite occasional US–Europe differences), whereas SCO and BRICS statements often have key absences.Both the SCO and BRICS will have carved out space for non-Western voices and offered alternatives in finance and diplomacy. Yet they have not fully crystallised into viable counterweights on all dimensions. Their collective influence is real but constrained, substantial at the level of ideas and joint declarations, but limited in military capability and practical cohesion. In the coming years, whether SCO and BRICS mature into true counter-blocs will depend on how (and if) they bridge their internal divides and turn summits into coordinated action.

World leaders meet in China for the SCO summit, as SCO and BRICS expand influence, uniting half the world’s population and challenging Western dominance with calls for a multipolar order.

World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are gathering in China for the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The summit comes at a time of global tension, with wars and US President Donald Trump’s policies adding to uncertainty. Many see this meeting as important for building a group that could balance Western influence. Also read: 'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change Indo-Pacific balance? Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances? Two groupings, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS, have grown in size and influence in recent years. Both present themselves as voices of the Global South and as platforms to promote a multipolar world, one less dominated by the US and Europe. The SCO, formed in 2001, now has 10 members, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan and Central Asian states, with Belarus joining in 2023. BRICS, created in 2009, has expanded to 11 countries, stretching across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Together, they cover nearly half the world’s population and a large share of global GDP. SCO: Unity with limits The SCO began as a security forum but has since expanded into economic and political cooperation. It has staged joint anti-terror drills, launched an anti-terror structure in Tashkent, and in 2024, held its first full counter-terrorism exercise using drones and robotics. Economically, SCO members discuss energy corridors, trade and investment, often linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The 2024 Astana summit saw the launch of an SCO Investors Association to support cross-border projects. Diplomatically, the SCO echoes the language of China and Russia, sovereignty, non-interference, and rejection of Western-backed “colour revolutions”. Yet deep divides persist. India and Pakistan rarely align, and India often resists anti-Western declarations. As a result, the SCO acts more as a forum than a unified bloc. BRICS: Financial tools against Western dominance BRICS started with five members (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and has grown to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, the UAE and soon Saudi Arabia. Together, they account for a quarter of global GDP. BRICS has launched its own financial institutions, the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, to rival the IMF and World Bank. The bank has issued loans in local currencies, aiming to reduce reliance on the US dollar. Ideas like BRICS Pay, a blockchain-based payment system, are meant to promote trade in members’ currencies. Diplomatically, BRICS seeks to amplify the Global South's voice. At the 2025 Rio summit, leaders called for UN Security Council reform, fairer IMF voting rights, and stronger cooperation on infrastructure. Yet the group faces limits: its members often disagree, especially on Russia’s war in Ukraine, and many remain deeply tied to Western markets. Western blocs remain more integrated Compared with the SCO and BRICS, Western alliances like NATO, the EU and the G7 remain more tightly bound. NATO is a military alliance with a collective defence clause and integrated command. The EU has a single market and currency. The G7, though informal, coordinates major economies on sanctions, climate policy and global trade. These Western blocs have deeper structures, stronger enforcement, and higher economic integration than either the SCO or BRICS. While SCO and BRICS issue joint communiqués, they lack the ability to enforce common policies. Counterweight or counterpart? Both blocs have expanded their reach: SCO now extends through Eurasia, and BRICS spans Africa, Asia, and beyond. They have established parallel institutions (e.g. SCO’s Regional Antiterrorist Structure; BRICS’s NDB and payment platforms) and issue coordinated messages on global issues. However, major limitations remain. Neither the SCO nor BRICS is a unified military or economic bloc on the model of NATO or the EU. SCO members actively avoid a NATO-like alliance, and BRICS has explicitly stopped short of a common defence structure. Many BRICS economies remain heavily tied to Western markets trade with the US and EU is still a large share of their GDP, which limits how far they can economically decouple. Meanwhile, Western alliances retain deeper integration where it counts, NATO, EU and G7 coordinate security, trade, and technology at a level that SCO and BRICS do not. NATO’s new defence commitments and the EU’s internal market dwarf the SCO’s or BRICS’s loose frameworks. Western unity also remains a comparative advantage: for now, the G7 and EU speak with a largely coherent voice on sanctions and trade (despite occasional US–Europe differences), whereas SCO and BRICS statements often have key absences. Both the SCO and BRICS will have carved out space for non-Western voices and offered alternatives in finance and diplomacy. Yet they have not fully crystallised into viable counterweights on all dimensions. Their collective influence is real but constrained, substantial at the level of ideas and joint declarations, but limited in military capability and practical cohesion. In the coming years, whether SCO and BRICS mature into true counter-blocs will depend on how (and if) they bridge their internal divides and turn summits into coordinated action.

World leaders meet in China for the SCO summit, as SCO and BRICS expand influence, uniting half the world’s population and challenging Western dominance with calls for a multipolar order.

SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Tianjin, China on Saturday. As he prepares to join the SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1, this will carry implications that move far beyond SCO. With the double tariff and India-US relations deteriorating, pushing New Delhi closer to its strategic rival in China. Washington now faces a dilemma will Asia's two biggest economies move beyond strategic de-escalation to trade and security cooperation. One that will foil the US ambitions in Indo-Pacific and plans of an unipolar world order.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>What can be a problem for the US?</h2>The United States have long projected India as a counterweight to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific through QUAD. It encouraged India on numerous cases to keep China's maritime and economic power in check but in vain. China did emerge as the second most powerful nation in the world.Now a growing coordination between India and China will dilute the effects of US sanctions and efforts to end Russian ‘war economy’. India's growing discontent with US could spill over to less defence and maritime collaboration. ASEAN, Middle-East and African countries, will also follow Indian model of hedging between Washington and Beijing for security and trade benefits respectively. Coming together of two large Asian countries will also diminish the US narrative of Chinese revisionism in face of the Western Rule Based Order.&nbsp;<h2>Can India and China come together?</h2>Historically India and China had a complex relation. Territorial disputes at the core of the issue. There had been military stand offs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including Aksai Chin, controlled by China but claimed by India and Arunachal Pradesh controlled by India, claimed by China.These repeated clashes along with Indian participation in Quad military drills have displeased Beijing. India also strongly opposed the Belt and Road Initiative by China in Pakistan. India viewed this as a strategic challenge in South Asia. Economically, &nbsp;China remains India’s largest trading partner, but the massive trade deficit estimated at nearly $100billion in 2024–25 has pushed domestic calls to limit Chinese imports and restrict Chinese apps and investments, adding another layer of tension to the bilateral relationship.Various analysts and media outlets call this recent thaw as a strategic de-escalation. India and China both can both co operate on trade, as they have a massive bilateral trade approximately $120biilion, cultural and people-to-people exchanges through multilateral platforms like G20, BRICS, SCO. However a complete resolution and closure to border dispute remains unlikely. India is unlikely to stop its participation in Quad military drills and China is unlikely to give up on its BRI investments. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With Indian China relations reviving, if this goes beyond de-escalation management to defence and strategic cooperation, Washington will see its plan of consolidation and countering China in Indo-Pacific slipping away. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Tianjin, China on Saturday. As he prepares to join the SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1, this will carry implications that move far beyond SCO. With the double tariff and India-US relations deteriorating, pushing New Delhi closer to its strategic rival in China. Washington now faces a dilemma will Asia's two biggest economies move beyond strategic de-escalation to trade and security cooperation. One that will foil the US ambitions in Indo-Pacific and plans of an unipolar world order. What can be a problem for the US? The United States have long projected India as a counterweight to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific through QUAD. It encouraged India on numerous cases to keep China's maritime and economic power in check but in vain. China did emerge as the second most powerful nation in the world. Now a growing coordination between India and China will dilute the effects of US sanctions and efforts to end Russian ‘war economy’. India's growing discontent with US could spill over to less defence and maritime collaboration. ASEAN, Middle-East and African countries, will also follow Indian model of hedging between Washington and Beijing for security and trade benefits respectively. Coming together of two large Asian countries will also diminish the US narrative of Chinese revisionism in face of the Western Rule Based Order. Can India and China come together? Historically India and China had a complex relation. Territorial disputes at the core of the issue. There had been military stand offs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including Aksai Chin, controlled by China but claimed by India and Arunachal Pradesh controlled by India, claimed by China.These repeated clashes along with Indian participation in Quad military drills have displeased Beijing. India also strongly opposed the Belt and Road Initiative by China in Pakistan. India viewed this as a strategic challenge in South Asia. Economically, China remains India’s largest trading partner, but the massive trade deficit estimated at nearly $100billion in 2024–25 has pushed domestic calls to limit Chinese imports and restrict Chinese apps and investments, adding another layer of tension to the bilateral relationship. Various analysts and media outlets call this recent thaw as a strategic de-escalation. India and China both can both co operate on trade, as they have a massive bilateral trade approximately $120biilion, cultural and people-to-people exchanges through multilateral platforms like G20, BRICS, SCO. However a complete resolution and closure to border dispute remains unlikely. India is unlikely to stop its participation in Quad military drills and China is unlikely to give up on its BRI investments.

With Indian China relations reviving, if this goes beyond de-escalation management to defence and strategic cooperation, Washington will see its plan of consolidation and countering China in Indo-Pacific slipping away.&nbsp;

SCO Summit 2025: Could India-China rapproachement foil US strategy for Indo-Pacific?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tianjin on August 30, 2025, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit (SCO) scheduled for August 31-September 1. This is PM Modi's first visit in 7 years. Upon arrival, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora living in China, while a Chinese artist performed Classical Indian music and dance.&nbsp;India and China historically had troubled relations, with territorial disputes including the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Aksai Chin, which is claimed by India but China controls it and Arunachal Pradesh, which is part of India but China makes a claim of it. There had been military standoffs and border skirmishes like the Galwan Valley standoff of 2020, which soured the relationship even more. Moreover, India alleged that during the 4-day-long scuffle with Pakistan, China provided operational and technical assistance, an accusation which had been denied by Beijing. New Delhi also frowns upon, Beijing's closeness to its rival at Islamabad via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Even though China is India's largest trade partner, India runs a huge trade deficit with China, appx. $100 billion in 2024-25, which puts India in a weaker situation. Despite this, there is a mass mobilisation in the country against Chinese products and restricted Chinese apps and investment. This had created significant friction between the two nations. India wants to rival Chinese influence in South Asia.But with the recent 50 per cent tariff on India by the US and the Indian Prime Minister visiting China almost after 7 years, speculations about the two giant economies growing closer will alarm Washington.&nbsp;<h2>Is there a shift in India-China relations</h2>There had been a notable shift between India and China relations. Both nations are pragmatic in their approach towards each other. India and China, in October 2024, agreed to establish a Border Patrol agreement, which reinstated patrols and eased tension in key zones like Depsang and Demchok. In June 2025, India and China agreed on a four-point formula during bilateral talks, disengagement, demarcation, working-level mechanisms and de-escalation.&nbsp;In August 2025, first time after the COVID-19 lockdown, India and China opened direct flight routes. Both nations agreed to resume border trade after 5 years via the mountain passes Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim, though Nepal objected to it. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also resumed after 5 years. As India-US relations face challenges, India-China relations found a catalyst for rapprochement. Despite tensions, India-China bilateral trade was highest in 2024-25. China wants India to be part of the multipolar world, one that is not dominated by the Western neo-liberal agenda, by being an active part of BRICS and SCO. But India is finding it hard to balance between the West and the Global South. Despite the positive signals, China views its relationship with India as a strategic rivalry, with the border dispute as its core issue. It is also wary about India's growing defence cooperation with the US. Analysts believe both nations remain committed to the idea of trade and cooperation, but internal security and border security will likely remain a bone of contention.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Tianjin visit for the SCO Summit 2025 marks a cautious thaw in India-China ties. From border patrol agreements to flight and trade resumption, both nations are seeking pragmatic engagement despite rivalry and U.S. tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tianjin on August 30, 2025, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit (SCO) scheduled for August 31-September 1. This is PM Modi's first visit in 7 years. Upon arrival, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora living in China, while a Chinese artist performed Classical Indian music and dance. India and China historically had troubled relations, with territorial disputes including the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Aksai Chin, which is claimed by India but China controls it and Arunachal Pradesh, which is part of India but China makes a claim of it. There had been military standoffs and border skirmishes like the Galwan Valley standoff of 2020, which soured the relationship even more. Moreover, India alleged that during the 4-day-long scuffle with Pakistan, China provided operational and technical assistance, an accusation which had been denied by Beijing. New Delhi also frowns upon, Beijing's closeness to its rival at Islamabad via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Even though China is India's largest trade partner, India runs a huge trade deficit with China, appx. $100 billion in 2024-25, which puts India in a weaker situation. Despite this, there is a mass mobilisation in the country against Chinese products and restricted Chinese apps and investment. This had created significant friction between the two nations. India wants to rival Chinese influence in South Asia. But with the recent 50 per cent tariff on India by the US and the Indian Prime Minister visiting China almost after 7 years, speculations about the two giant economies growing closer will alarm Washington. Is there a shift in India-China relations There had been a notable shift between India and China relations. Both nations are pragmatic in their approach towards each other. India and China, in October 2024, agreed to establish a Border Patrol agreement, which reinstated patrols and eased tension in key zones like Depsang and Demchok. In June 2025, India and China agreed on a four-point formula during bilateral talks, disengagement, demarcation, working-level mechanisms and de-escalation. In August 2025, first time after the COVID-19 lockdown, India and China opened direct flight routes. Both nations agreed to resume border trade after 5 years via the mountain passes Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim, though Nepal objected to it. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also resumed after 5 years. As India-US relations face challenges, India-China relations found a catalyst for rapprochement. Despite tensions, India-China bilateral trade was highest in 2024-25. China wants India to be part of the multipolar world, one that is not dominated by the Western neo-liberal agenda, by being an active part of BRICS and SCO. But India is finding it hard to balance between the West and the Global South. Despite the positive signals, China views its relationship with India as a strategic rivalry, with the border dispute as its core issue. It is also wary about India's growing defence cooperation with the US. Analysts believe both nations remain committed to the idea of trade and cooperation, but internal security and border security will likely remain a bone of contention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Tianjin visit for the SCO Summit 2025 marks a cautious thaw in India-China ties. From border patrol agreements to flight and trade resumption, both nations are seeking pragmatic engagement despite rivalry and U.S. tensions.

Ahead of SCO Summit 2025, India and China revive confidence-building measures with border trade, flight resumption

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday conveyed Nepal’s reservations over the India-China agreement to open a trade route through the Lipulekh Pass during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China's Tianjin. This comes after a recent agreement between India and China to reopen the trade route via Lipulekh Pass, which Nepal claims.&nbsp;The Nepal prime minister, who is visiting China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, expressed Nepal’s opposition to the China-India deal via the Lipulek Pass, which Kathmandu says is “an inseparable part of sovereign Nepal”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Referring to the recent understanding reached between India and China on border trade through Lipu Lekh Pass, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli raised the issue directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping,” the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;PM Oli stated that the territory of Lipulekh belongs to Nepal, and the Government of Nepal has officially registered strong objections against the India–China agreement on trade through this pass.&nbsp;Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan pass, strategically important, lying at the tri-junction of Nepal, India, and China.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier this month, India rejected Nepal’s opposition to the agreement, calling Kathmandu’s territorial claims “unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts.”&nbsp;By raising the matter directly with President Xi during a high-profile bilateral, Nepal reaffirmed its sovereignty claim and signalled that it does not accept bilateral India-China deals involving its claimed territory.&nbsp;During the meeting, the Nepal PM expressed hope for faster implementation of already agreed projects, including those under the BRI, and sought support in areas such as fertiliser, petroleum exploration, human resource development, climate resilience, and people-to-people ties.&nbsp;He stated that Nepal-China ties, rooted in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, have been trouble-free.&nbsp;Prime Minister Oli extended his best wishes for the success of the SCO Summit 2025 and requested the President of China to support Nepal’s membership aspiration in the SCO.&nbsp;President Xi Jinping affirmed China’s readiness to support Nepal in realizing its vision of Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali. He noted that China will continue to work with Nepal in multilateral platforms such as the UN and SCO.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanking Nepal for its steadfast adherence to the One-China Principle, he reiterated China’s commitment to Nepal’s development, including through the implementation of high-quality Belt and Road Initiative projects agreed upon by both sides.&nbsp;Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address the Summit on September 1 and hold bilateral talks with other world leaders on the sidelines.

India rejected Nepal’s opposition to the agreement and called Kathmandu’s territorial claims “unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts.” Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan pass, strategically important, lying at the tri-junction of Nepal, India, and China.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday conveyed Nepal’s reservations over the India-China agreement to open a trade route through the Lipulekh Pass during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China's Tianjin. This comes after a recent agreement between India and China to reopen the trade route via Lipulekh Pass, which Nepal claims. The Nepal prime minister, who is visiting China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, expressed Nepal’s opposition to the China-India deal via the Lipulek Pass, which Kathmandu says is “an inseparable part of sovereign Nepal”. “Referring to the recent understanding reached between India and China on border trade through Lipu Lekh Pass, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli raised the issue directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping,” the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing said in a statement. PM Oli stated that the territory of Lipulekh belongs to Nepal, and the Government of Nepal has officially registered strong objections against the India–China agreement on trade through this pass. Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan pass, strategically important, lying at the tri-junction of Nepal, India, and China. Earlier this month, India rejected Nepal’s opposition to the agreement, calling Kathmandu’s territorial claims “unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts.” By raising the matter directly with President Xi during a high-profile bilateral, Nepal reaffirmed its sovereignty claim and signalled that it does not accept bilateral India-China deals involving its claimed territory. During the meeting, the Nepal PM expressed hope for faster implementation of already agreed projects, including those under the BRI, and sought support in areas such as fertiliser, petroleum exploration, human resource development, climate resilience, and people-to-people ties. He stated that Nepal-China ties, rooted in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, have been trouble-free. Prime Minister Oli extended his best wishes for the success of the SCO Summit 2025 and requested the President of China to support Nepal’s membership aspiration in the SCO. President Xi Jinping affirmed China’s readiness to support Nepal in realizing its vision of Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali. He noted that China will continue to work with Nepal in multilateral platforms such as the UN and SCO. Thanking Nepal for its steadfast adherence to the One-China Principle, he reiterated China’s commitment to Nepal’s development, including through the implementation of high-quality Belt and Road Initiative projects agreed upon by both sides. Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address the Summit on September 1 and hold bilateral talks with other world leaders on the sidelines.

India rejected Nepal’s opposition to the agreement and called Kathmandu’s territorial claims “unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts.” Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan pass, strategically important, lying at the tri-junction of Nepal, India, and China.

Nepal presses Lipulekh Pass claim in talks with China

In July 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping told fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders in Astana that “no mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations.” At the time, the words rang hollow. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the summit, a move seen as a snub at the time. A year on, the picture has changed. As China hosts the SCO summit this Sunday (August 31), it expects a record turnout of leaders. Modi will return to China for the first time since 2018, driven partly by tensions with Washington after President Donald Trump slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, nudging New Delhi closer to Beijing and its Eurasian partners.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2025-can-sco-and-brics-become-a-genuine-counterweight-to-western-alliances-such-as-nato-g7-and-eu-1756554676724">SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU?</a>While, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is usually seen as a security club, its economic size is striking. Together, its ten members now make up nearly $26.8 trillion in GDP, around 22.5% of the world economy, based on IMF estimates for 2025. That puts the group close to the G7 in scale, and not far behind NATO, which represents about 30% of global GDP.<h2>Who are the biggest players?</h2>The SCO is dominated by its three largest members. China accounts for more than 70% of the bloc’s GDP, at over $19 trillion. India contributes $4.2 trillion, and Russia adds about $2.1 trillion. Together, they make up nearly nine-tenths of the total economy. The other members, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, together provide less than 15%.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dragon-elephant-tango-will-pm-modi-s-china-visit-change-the-indo-pacific-balance-1756550879120">'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change Indo-Pacific balance?</a><h2>How does SCO compare with other blocs?</h2>The SCO is big, but not the largest. The G7 represents about $30 trillion in GDP, while NATO members combined make nearly $36 trillion. The BRICS group, after its expansion, is the largest of all, with an expected $48 trillion, or almost 40% of global GDP. By comparison, the SCO looks smaller, but still powerful enough to be counted as a major bloc.<h2>GDP and GNP: What do the figures show?</h2>GDP measures output inside a country, while GNP tracks the income of its citizens. The differences are small for most SCO states. For example, China’s GNP is $18.9 trillion versus GDP of $19.4 trillion. India’s GNP is $3.6 trillion, slightly lower than its GDP. Iran’s GNP ($421B) is higher than its GDP ($341B), while Kazakhstan’s is lower. These numbers show that while the SCO is large, most of its economic power is still concentrated inside its borders.

The SCO, often seen as a security grouping, is emerging as an economic force. With a combined GDP of $26.8 trillion, it now rivals the G7 and approaches NATO’s scale.

In July 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping told fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders in Astana that “no mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations.” At the time, the words rang hollow. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the summit, a move seen as a snub at the time. A year on, the picture has changed. As China hosts the SCO summit this Sunday (August 31), it expects a record turnout of leaders. Modi will return to China for the first time since 2018, driven partly by tensions with Washington after President Donald Trump slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, nudging New Delhi closer to Beijing and its Eurasian partners. Also read: SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU? While, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is usually seen as a security club, its economic size is striking. Together, its ten members now make up nearly $26.8 trillion in GDP, around 22.5% of the world economy, based on IMF estimates for 2025. That puts the group close to the G7 in scale, and not far behind NATO, which represents about 30% of global GDP. Who are the biggest players? The SCO is dominated by its three largest members. China accounts for more than 70% of the bloc’s GDP, at over $19 trillion. India contributes $4.2 trillion, and Russia adds about $2.1 trillion. Together, they make up nearly nine-tenths of the total economy. The other members, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, together provide less than 15%. Also read: 'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change Indo-Pacific balance? How does SCO compare with other blocs? The SCO is big, but not the largest. The G7 represents about $30 trillion in GDP, while NATO members combined make nearly $36 trillion. The BRICS group, after its expansion, is the largest of all, with an expected $48 trillion, or almost 40% of global GDP. By comparison, the SCO looks smaller, but still powerful enough to be counted as a major bloc. GDP and GNP: What do the figures show? GDP measures output inside a country, while GNP tracks the income of its citizens. The differences are small for most SCO states. For example, China’s GNP is $18.9 trillion versus GDP of $19.4 trillion. India’s GNP is $3.6 trillion, slightly lower than its GDP. Iran’s GNP ($421B) is higher than its GDP ($341B), while Kazakhstan’s is lower. These numbers show that while the SCO is large, most of its economic power is still concentrated inside its borders.

The SCO, often seen as a security grouping, is emerging as an economic force. With a combined GDP of $26.8 trillion, it now rivals the G7 and approaches NATO’s scale.

Close to G7, not far behind NATO: How big is the SCO economy and who are its biggest players?

Amid chants of 'Bharat Mata ki jai' and 'Vande Mataram PM Modi meets and greets the Indian diaspora as he reached the hotel in Tianjin.A group of Bharatanatyam dancers preparing for their performance as they wait for the arrival of PM Modi in Tianjin. The performers are Chinese Nationals who have been practising Bharatanatyam performance for years.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">China’s Indian community accorded a very special welcome in Tianjin. Here are some glimpses. <a href="https://t.co/PzAV517ewF">pic.twitter.com/PzAV517ewF</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1961767020036530314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A group of Bharatanatyam dancers gives a glimpse into their performance as they await the arrival of PM Narendra Modi (Source: ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONAtSCO2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONAtSCO2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/uHxuq0fDbD">pic.twitter.com/uHxuq0fDbD</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1961755762226769947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Prime Minister Modi have arrived in &nbsp;Tianjin, China for the Shanghai Coorporation Organisation's annual meet scheduled from August 31 to September 1. &nbsp;PM Modi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin amid the 50 per cent punitive US tariffs on India.&nbsp;

A group of Bharatanatyam dancers gave audiences a glimpse of their performance while awaiting the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, blending culture with anticipation at the event.

Amid chants of 'Bharat Mata ki jai' and 'Vande Mataram PM Modi meets and greets the Indian diaspora as he reached the hotel in Tianjin.A group of Bharatanatyam dancers preparing for their performance as they wait for the arrival of PM Modi in Tianjin. The performers are Chinese Nationals who have been practising Bharatanatyam performance for years.

A group of Bharatanatyam dancers gave audiences a glimpse of their performance while awaiting the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, blending culture with anticipation at the event.

WATCH| Bharatanatyam dancers perform ahead of PM Modi meets Indian diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, on Saturday, for attending the annual SCO Summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi was received by China’s Minister for Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng, Tianjin Government Director Yu Yunlin, and Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong. PM Modi is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. It is PM Modi’s first trip to China in seven years. During the visit, he will meet President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The SCO summit has assumed more significance in the backdrop of the global economic turmoil triggered by the tariffs imposed on all countries by US President Donald Trump that have led to the recent turbulence in India’s relations with the US, after Washington imposed steep 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports.&nbsp;Earlier, PM Modi had embarked for China to attend the SCO Summit after concluding his visit to Japan. The SCO Summit is crucial for India, as it comes after the 50 per cent tariffs, including a 25 per cent tariff for buying Russian crude oil, imposed by the US came into effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">VIDEO | Japan: PM Narendra Modi (<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>) arrives in Tianjin, China, to attend the SCO Summit. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Source: Third party) <a href="https://t.co/fa8e5LQIDT">pic.twitter.com/fa8e5LQIDT</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1961739723627700389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;PM Modi will join leaders of the 10-member SCO bloc for the annual summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to be closely watched, given the recent thaw in India-China ties.&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with the host, Chinese President Xi Jinping, will also be attending the summit.&nbsp;The PM's visit for SCO Summit may also result in a reset of Sino-Indian ties that hit a new low after the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. However, the recent diplomatic exchanges between the two countries amid global economic strife signal an attempt at rebuilding trust.Despite frictions, China remains India’s second-largest trading partner, and New Delhi’s manufacturing ambitions continue to rely on Chinese components and raw materials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join leaders of the 10-member SCO bloc for the annual summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to be closely watched, given the recent thaw in India-China ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, on Saturday, for attending the annual SCO Summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi was received by China’s Minister for Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng, Tianjin Government Director Yu Yunlin, and Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong. PM Modi is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. It is PM Modi’s first trip to China in seven years. During the visit, he will meet President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The SCO summit has assumed more significance in the backdrop of the global economic turmoil triggered by the tariffs imposed on all countries by US President Donald Trump that have led to the recent turbulence in India’s relations with the US, after Washington imposed steep 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports. Earlier, PM Modi had embarked for China to attend the SCO Summit after concluding his visit to Japan. The SCO Summit is crucial for India, as it comes after the 50 per cent tariffs, including a 25 per cent tariff for buying Russian crude oil, imposed by the US came into effect.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join leaders of the 10-member SCO bloc for the annual summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to be closely watched, given the recent thaw in India-China ties.

SCO Summit: PM Modi arrives in China, scheduled to meet President Xi and Putin

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