Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to China from August 31 to September 1 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking his first visit to the country since 2018 and following the Ladakh border standoff.
Sources close to the development revealed that the visit may be part of a broader diplomatic tour, which could also include a stop in Japan for an annual summit. Modi last interacted with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.
That meeting was their first formal interaction in five years, held shortly after both nations reached an understanding on border patrol protocols. During the discussion, Modi emphasized the need to prioritise peace and stability along the India-China border, while also stressing mutual trust and respect.
President Xi responded by highlighting the importance of increased communication and cooperation, while noting both countries must lead by example for developing nations.
In June 2025, both sides agreed to initiate discussions on unresolved trade and economic concerns. Talks between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong also explored the resumption of direct flights, which had been halted since 2020.
India-China ties remain complex. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declined to sign the SCO joint statement earlier this year, citing its omission of terror attacks on Indian soil.
China, after U.S. pressure, later condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, calling for stronger regional counterterrorism cooperation.