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Modi, Narendra

Modi's China Visit Tests Diplomacy Amid US Tariffs and Tensions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin on Saturday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking his first trip to China since the Galwan Valley clashes of 2020. The visit comes amidst a delicate moment in India's external relations, following the United States' imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports. Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with discussions focused on strengthening multilateralism, the WTO-led trading system, and safeguarding the interests of developing nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Modi's visit to China marks his first trip since the Galwan Valley clashes of 2020, which strained bilateral ties.
  • The United States has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports, including a 25 per cent duty for importing Russian crude oil.
  • Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit.
  • Discussions at the summit will focus on strengthening multilateralism, the WTO-led trading system, and safeguarding the interests of developing nations.
  • The Indian government has actively contributed to the SCO agenda, having chaired the Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and the Council of Heads of State in 2022-23.
  • India joined the SCO as a full member in 2017, along with China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.
  • The SCO includes several observer states and dialogue partners, including the European Union, Mongolia, and Afghanistan.
  • Modi has spoken to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the phone, discussing the latest situation around Kyiv's war with Moscow ahead of his meeting with Russian President Putin.

Statistics:

  • The United States has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports.
  • A 25 per cent duty has been imposed on importing Russian crude oil.
  • India has actively contributed to the SCO agenda, having chaired the Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and the Council of Heads of State in 2022-23.
  • The SCO includes 8 member states, 4 observer states, and 6 dialogue partners.
  • India joined the SCO as a full member in 2017.

Sources:

  • Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com
  • Prime Minister's Office (PMO) statement

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