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Modi, Narendra

Modi Embarks on Two-Nation Visit, To Meet Xi and Putin on SCO Sidelines

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-nation visit to Japan and China, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Modi's visit to China, his first in seven years, comes amidst a backdrop of strained ties between New Delhi and Washington over tariffs, oil purchases, and a stalled trade deal. India and China have been working to repair ties after a five-year military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

Key Takeaways:

  • Modi's visit to China marks his first in seven years, with his meeting with Xi likely to take place on Sunday on the sidelines of the SCO summit.
  • The meeting between Modi and Xi will be closely watched, given the strain in ties between New Delhi and Washington over tariffs, oil purchases, and a stalled trade deal.
  • Modi and Xi last met on October 23, 2024, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, which resulted in the disengagement of troops from two key friction points in eastern Ladakh.
  • India and China have agreed to establish at least three border mechanisms, resume border trade, and issue visas to Chinese nationals as part of the normalisation process.
  • Modi's visit to Japan is aimed at shaping the next phase in the special strategic and global partnership between the two countries, which has made significant progress over the past eleven years.
  • The visit will also focus on expanding economic and investment ties, and advancing cooperation in new and emerging technologies, including AI and semiconductors.
  • India has been a member of the SCO since 2017 and held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State of SCO during 2022-23.

Statistics:

  • 15th Annual Summit between Modi and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan.
  • 11 years of steady and significant progress in India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
  • 7 years since Modi's last visit to China.
  • 50,000 to 60,000 troops stationed on either side of the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

Sources:

  • India Today
  • The Indian Express (P) Ltd Copyright 2025 IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., distributed by Contify.com

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