In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi on August 19, 2025. The meeting, charged with optimism, marked a key moment in the ongoing thaw in India-China relations, with Wang Yi extending an invitation from President Xi Jinping for Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025. Modi’s acceptance and positive remarks signal a promising trajectory for bilateral ties, with implications for regional and global stability.

A New Chapter Post-Galwan

The meeting builds on the progress made since Modi’s last interaction with President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. Posting on X, Modi shared, “Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other’s interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity.”

The dialogue comes against the backdrop of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which had strained ties along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Modi emphasized the need for sustained peace and tranquility at the border, advocating for a fair and mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary question. The Prime Minister’s Office highlighted positive steps, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a cherished pilgrimage for Indian devotees, which had been halted in recent years. Modi also expressed support for China’s presidency of the SCO, underscoring its role in fostering regional cooperation.

High-Level Talks Pave the Way

Wang Yi’s two-day visit (August 18–19, 2025) included crucial meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. On August 18, Jaishankar and Wang Yi discussed the importance of ensuring that “differences do not escalate into disputes,” stressing border peace as the cornerstone of bilateral progress. Jaishankar also raised concerns about cross-border terrorism and pressed for cooperation on trade, pilgrimage, and river data sharing, particularly regarding China’s planned mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which could affect downstream flows in India.

On August 19, Wang Yi and Doval co-chaired the 24th Special Representatives (SR) meeting on the India-China boundary question. Described as “constructive and forward-looking,” the talks noted an “upward trajectory” in relations since the Kazan meeting. Doval highlighted the absence of border incidents and the deepening of bilateral engagements, while Wang Yi emphasized that the setbacks post-Galwan served neither nation’s interests. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to managing differences and building mutual trust.

SCO Summit: A Stage for Dialogue

The upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin, set to be the largest in the organization’s history with over 20 world leaders, offers a vital platform for India and China to deepen their dialogue. Modi’s participation, his first trip to China since the 2018 SCO Summit, underscores India’s intent to reset ties cautiously. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called the summit a “moment of solidarity and friendship,” expressing hope that Modi’s presence would enhance its outcomes.

Recent agreements on LAC patrolling, resolving the four-year border standoff, and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra reflect tangible progress. However, India remains vigilant about issues like China’s support for Pakistan and the Yarlung Tsangpo dam, which could impact water security in northeastern India. Wang Yi reiterated Beijing’s commitment to expanding cooperation, deepening political trust, and addressing differences to ensure stable ties.

Geopolitical Context and Public Sentiment

The warming of India-China relations comes amid global shifts, including trade tensions sparked by U.S. tariffs on India for Russian oil purchases. Some analysts suggest China’s outreach aims to counterbalance these pressures, while India leverages its strategic autonomy through engagements with Russia and China, as seen in Jaishankar’s planned Moscow visit. The SCO Summit will likely see further trilateral discussions among India, China, and Russia, strengthening the SCO’s regional influence.

Sentiment on X is mixed, with some users optimistic about enhanced trade and diplomacy, while others urge caution, citing unresolved border issues and China’s regional alliances. One post read, “Talks are a good start, but China must back words with action—full disengagement at LAC is non-negotiable.” Another user noted, “India-China stability could reshape Asia’s economic map, but trust must be earned.”

Toward a Constructive Future

PM Modi’s meeting with Wang Yi reflects India’s pragmatic approach to building a stable, cooperative relationship with China, rooted in mutual respect and sensitivity. As Modi prepares to meet President Xi in Tianjin, the focus will remain on sustaining border peace, resolving outstanding issues, and boosting cultural and economic ties. With both nations recognizing the global benefits of their partnership, the SCO Summit could be a turning point, paving the way for a predictable and constructive India-China relationship that contributes to regional and global prosperity.

Disclaimer: This article draws from credible sources, including ANI, The Hindu, and PMO statements. For real-time updates, readers are encouraged to follow trusted news outlets.