India and China are taking center stage again, as PM Modi heads to Tianjin to meet President Xi Jinping amid lingering border tensions and global economic uncertainty. This meeting could redefine bilateral ties and influence the stability of the global economic order. With US trade policies shaking markets, the eyes of the world are on this high-stakes encounter.
Written by Ms. Sao Sodanin (SODA)
Today I read an article about the upcoming meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is set to take place in Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The article focused on how this meeting is being viewed as an important step in both managing India-China relations and preserving stability in the global economic order, especially during a time of uncertainty caused by US trade policies.
What caught my attention is the timing of this meeting. It is the first time Prime Minister Modi is visiting China since the tense standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that began in 2020. That conflict marked one of the lowest points in India-China relations since the 1962 border war, and its shadow has loomed large over the bilateral relationship. Now, with this visit, there seems to be a chance to evaluate progress and see if both nations can move toward a stable and cooperative future.
The article highlighted several confidence-building measures that have already been taken. For example, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Tibet resumed this April after a five-year break, tourist visas for Chinese nationals were reintroduced in July, and talks on boundary delimitation were recently revived. These may appear to be small steps, but they symbolize a gradual thaw in ties. What I found especially interesting is how both sides seem committed to “active management” of the border to ensure peace. This reflects an understanding that neither country can afford prolonged instability along the LAC, especially when both economies face external pressures.
On the economic front, there is a recognition that trade relations need to stabilize. The article mentioned China’s curbs on exports of vital resources such as fertilizers, rare earth minerals, and heavy machinery. These restrictions have affected Indian industries, and India has raised the issue with Beijing. China, in response, assured India that its concerns would be addressed. This shows a degree of responsiveness and hints at the possibility of rebuilding economic trust.
Another theme that stood out is how the turbulence caused by US trade and tariff policies has created common ground for India and China. With President Trump doubling tariffs on most Indian goods and threatening even harsher measures against China, both countries face challenges from the same source. This shared experience has apparently encouraged New Delhi and Beijing to look for ways to cooperate in preserving the global economic order. It is also a reminder of how global power shifts and economic uncertainty can sometimes push rivals toward dialogue and pragmatism.
Reflecting on this, I feel that this meeting could become a turning point in India-China relations. While deep mistrust and unresolved disputes remain, the willingness to engage in dialogue is itself significant. For India, growth and development remain the top priorities, and a stable relationship with China could provide both opportunities and challenges. The coming days will show whether this meeting translates into real progress or remains symbolic, but either way, it underscores the importance of diplomacy in shaping the future of the region.