New Delhi, August 19 — In a move that signals a fresh start in strained diplomatic relations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China at the end of this month—his first visit to the country since 2018. The announcement was made today by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who was in discussion with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in New Delhi.
Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit set to open on August 31 in Tianjin, marking a significant step toward rebuilding bilateral trust between the two Asian giants. “Our Prime Minister will be visiting for the SCO summit,” Doval confirmed, adding that the meeting reflects a “new energy” in India-China diplomatic ties.
China, on its part, has welcomed the visit warmly. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing “attaches great importance” to Modi’s presence at the summit. “History and reality prove once again that a healthy and stable China–India relationship serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both our countries,” Wang remarked.
Later today, Wang is expected to meet Prime Minister Modi in person, a meeting anticipated to build on recent efforts to reset the tone of the relationship.
India and China—home to more than a third of the world’s population—have often found themselves in tense standoffs, most notably the deadly border clash in 2020. Yet, in an era of shifting global alliances and economic turbulence, both countries seem inclined to turn the page.
India’s involvement in the Quad alliance with the US, Japan, and Australia has often raised eyebrows in Beijing. But recent conversations show an openness to cooperation. Yesterday, during talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Wang Yi emphasized the importance of partnership. “We should view each other as partners and opportunities, rather than adversaries or threats,” Wang said.
As Modi prepares for this crucial visit, eyes around the world will be watching. Can these two regional powers put the past behind them and move forward with mutual respect and shared purpose?
