China and India have moved to cool tensions as Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi presented their countries as partners rather than competitors during talks alongside the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Tianjin.
The outreach comes amid efforts by both sides to repair a relationship strained by a deadly Himalayan border clash in 2020 and trade frictions that deepened after sweeping US tariffs reverberated through the region. Beijing is also keen to showcase regional solidarity through the SCO, whose attendees include Russia, Iran, Pakistan and several Central and Southeast Asian states.
During their encounter, Xi emphasised that China’s rise should not be seen as a threat to India, framing the two neighbours as development opportunities for one another. Modi echoed the cooperative tone, saying the two economies share responsibilities to the 2.8bn people they represent.
New confidence-building steps were discussed, including resuming direct flights and measures to ease border tensions. Modi noted that disengagement at key frontier points had created a more stable atmosphere for dialogue.
New Delhi underlined that both countries pursue strategic autonomy and that the relationship should not be interpreted through the lens of third parties. At the same time, Indian officials flagged persistent trade concerns, urging progress that expands two-way investment and narrows India’s large deficit with China.
Momentum for a reset has been building since 2024, when the two leaders met in Kazan and agreed to step up de-escalation efforts. Analysts in New Delhi say the latest exchanges do not yet amount to a full rapprochement, but they mark a clear shift toward stability.
The SCO, which counts 10 members and 16 dialogue partners and observers, is set to issue a joint declaration at its formal summit, offering another platform for Beijing and New Delhi to signal a steadier phase in their complicated ties.
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