Modi First China Visit in Seven Years Marks Thaw in Ties

A Diplomatic Breakthrough: PM Modi’s Historic Visit to China

Tianjin, China, August 31, 2025 - In a landmark moment for India-China relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a crucial bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. The meeting, PM Modi's first visit to China in seven years, has been hailed as a significant step towards a thaw in ties that were severely strained by the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The talks yielded a number of significant breakthroughs, including a new border management accord, the resumption of direct flights, and the restoration of the revered Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

The visit, which comes amid a challenging global economic climate and mounting pressure from the United States, signals a strategic recalibration for both Asian giants. With new tariffs from the U.S. impacting their respective economies, the two leaders appeared to have found a common ground, emphasizing a "long-term and strategic perspective" to their relationship.

The Road to Tianjin: A Gradual Thaw

The historic meeting was the culmination of months of quiet diplomacy and back-channel talks aimed at de-escalating tensions and rebuilding trust. Since the Galwan Valley incident, which resulted in casualties on both sides, bilateral relations have been frozen, with limited high-level contact and a complete halt of several people-to-people initiatives.

The initial signs of a thaw emerged in late 2024, with both countries agreeing to a phased disengagement process in the last two friction points of Depsang and Demchok in Ladakh. This was followed by a series of meetings between high-level officials, including a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India. The diplomatic efforts gained momentum in recent months, leading to the resumption of border trade through key passes like Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La.

However, the political will for a high-stakes meeting between the two leaders became evident in late 2025, as both nations found themselves under pressure from the U.S. and its protectionist trade policies. PM Modi, in a recent interview, had underscored the importance of India and China working together to bring stability to the global economic order. President Xi had also signaled a desire for a "dragon-elephant tango," a phrase that has been used to describe the potential for a harmonious relationship between the two nations.

The Bilateral Meeting: Key Outcomes

The 40-minute bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi was described as productive and forward-looking. In his opening remarks, PM Modi said, "An agreement has been reached between our Special Representatives regarding border management. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed. Direct flights between the two countries are also being resumed." These three announcements, in particular, mark a significant departure from the frozen state of relations and signal a tangible commitment to normalize ties.

The border management accord is perhaps the most crucial outcome. While details have not been made public, it is understood that the agreement will focus on maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and establishing new protocols to prevent future escalations. This is a critical step towards building mutual trust and ensuring that border disputes do not once again derail the broader relationship.

The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage of deep spiritual significance for millions of Indians, is a powerful gesture that will be welcomed across the country. The Yatra, which was suspended due to the border tensions and the pandemic, is a key people-to-people link that has long been a barometer of the state of the relationship.

Finally, the decision to resume direct flights is a major step towards normalizing trade and travel between the two countries. The lack of direct connectivity has been a significant hurdle for business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, and its restoration will be a major boost to both economies.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Trade and Tariffs

While the meeting was framed by a spirit of cooperation, the issue of trade imbalances and protectionism was a key point of discussion. India has a massive and growing trade deficit with China, a concern that has been amplified by the recent U.S. tariffs. PM Modi is said to have pressed for a more equitable trade partnership and sought assurances on the supply of critical inputs like rare earths, fertilizers, and industrial equipment, which are essential for India's domestic manufacturing.

The visit comes at a time when both India and China, as two of the world’s largest economies, are feeling the pinch of U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff policies. The shared challenge has created a new, albeit fragile, basis for cooperation. By easing trade curbs and addressing some of India's concerns, China appears to be making a strategic move to build a united front against what they see as a destabilizing force in the global economy.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter?

The Tianjin meeting is not a complete solution to all the complex issues that exist between India and China. Decades of distrust and competing geopolitical interests cannot be erased in a single meeting. The border issue, in particular, remains a central concern that will require sustained effort to resolve.

However, the meeting does mark a new, more pragmatic chapter in the relationship. Both nations, as PM Modi and President Xi have acknowledged, have a shared responsibility to work together for regional and global peace and prosperity. The success of this new approach will depend on whether the promises made in Tianjin are translated into concrete actions on the ground. For now, the historic visit has offered a glimmer of hope that the world's two most populous nations can find a way to navigate their differences and work together for a more stable and prosperous future