Prime Minister Modi's Visit to China for SCO Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit highlighted a shift in India's foreign policy. This was significant as it marked several firsts and notable events.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- First Visit in Seven Years: It was Mr. Modi's first visit to China in seven years, and the first bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping since the 2020 military standoff.
- Rekindling Relations: The meeting rekindled memories of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral, showcasing camaraderie between Mr. Modi, Mr. Xi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Normalization Process: Leaders approved a normalization process initiated in October 2024, focusing on troop disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and fast-tracking boundary resolutions.
- Economic and Travel Ties: Agreed to resume direct flights, facilitate visas, and build economic relations to stabilize world trade.
Strategic Implications
- Mutual Trust and Respect: Mr. Modi emphasized ties based on “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity," while Mr. Xi called for collaboration between China and India.
- U.S. Relations Influence: The bonhomie was partly influenced by U.S. tariffs and sanctions on India, and India's mistrust of the Trump administration.
- Geopolitical Concerns: The visit allowed India to sidestep issues with China, such as its support for Pakistan and blocking India's UNSC reforms and NSG membership.
Tianjin Declaration and SCO Initiatives
- Counter-Terrorism Language: The declaration condemned “cross-border movement of terrorists” and addressed attacks like the Pahalgam attack and those in Balochistan.
- Contentious Issues: SCO members found common ground on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemned U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, though India opposed supporting China's Belt and Road Initiative.
- Development Initiatives: Mr. Xi proposed an SCO Development Bank, while Mr. Modi suggested a “Civilisational Dialogue” among SCO members.
Missed Opportunities
Despite the productive outcomes, Mr. Modi's itinerary missed chances for deeper engagement with leaders from India's neighborhood and the Global South, skipping the “SCO Plus” Summit.
