Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday that the disengagement of troops last year created peace and stability on the border. Therefore, he said both countries are ready to move ties forward with “mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity.”

First China visit in seven years

Modi is in Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. This time, it is his first visit to China in seven years. On the sidelines, he met Xi for a bilateral meeting. Importantly, this was their second interaction since the agreement in October to end the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Modi recalls Kazan talks

At the start of the meeting, Modi recalled their last talks. “Last year, we had very meaningful discussions in Kazan, our relations got a positive direction,” he said. After that, disengagement created calm at the border. Moreover, both sides reached an understanding through Special Representatives on how to manage the boundary.

Steps to improve ties

Modi welcomed progress since October. He said the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed. He confirmed that direct flights between the two nations will start again. In addition, he added that cooperation between India and China supports 2.8 billion people and helps humanity.

The meeting lasted about an hour, officials said.

US tariffs add pressure

Meanwhile, this visit comes at a tense time in India-US relations. US President Donald Trump recently raised tariffs on Indian goods. He imposed a 25 percent levy on Indian imports of Russian oil. Later, he doubled it to 50 percent. By contrast, China, which also buys Russian oil, did not face these new penalties.

Talks on stability and economy

Sources said Modi and Xi discussed new steps to stabilise ties. They spoke about stronger border management to keep peace. At the same time, they reviewed ways to protect the global economy from US trade disruptions.

Earlier this month, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi visited India. During that visit, both countries agreed to speed up border talks, restart flights, and boost trade and investment.

Border broadly stable

Officials familiar with the situation said the border remains “broadly stable.” However, they added that both sides see the need to keep the LAC peaceful through active measures. For now, the focus is on building further progress since last year’s disengagement.

Other key meetings

Besides this, Modi will also meet other leaders during the SCO Summit. On Monday, he is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. They are expected to discuss Ukraine and Putin’s upcoming visit to India.

Later on Sunday evening, Modi will attend the official SCO reception. There, he may come face-to-face with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the first time since India’s Operation Sindoor in May, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.

India’s agenda at SCO

Finally, on Monday, Modi will join the SCO Summit with other leaders. Indian officials said the group is likely to condemn cross-border terrorism.

The SCO was formed in 2001 by China, Russia, and Central Asian nations to fight terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Although the bloc does not allow discussion of bilateral disputes, India has pushed for strong statements against cross-border terrorism in joint documents.