Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Tianjin, China, marking his first visit in over seven years to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
At the summit, Modi held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on a range of critical issues — from restoring direct flights (suspended since 2020) and easing visa restrictions to enhancing economic cooperation and addressing border stability.
Modi’s arrival was met with enthusiastic performances by Chinese artists playing Indian classical instruments like sitar, santoor, and tabla — a symbolic gesture underscoring cultural diplomacy.
The summit also witnessed a notable show of unity, with Modi, Xi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin sharing a public display of camaraderie. This visually striking moment, with the three leaders holding hands, sends a clear geopolitical signal amid tensions with the U.S.—particularly over its recent tariff policies.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised Modi’s diplomatic efforts, calling the visit “a strategic move” that showcases India’s adept navigation of global geopolitical shifts and underscores its role within a recalibrated international order
