Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits China for the first time in seven years; holds meetings with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin amidst growing impact of U.S. tariffs.

India's Strategic Pivot: Modi Attends SCO Summit in China

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in China, attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. This diplomatic move marks Modi's first official visit to China in over seven years and symbolizes India's strategic pivot towards deeper engagement with its neighbours.

The SCO summit offers India an opportunity to secure its interests and reinforce regional partnerships. Modi's visit comes amid escalating fallout with India's longtime partner, the United States. The U.S. White House, under President Trump, has doubled tariffs on Indian exports, bringing the total duty to 50%.

The increased tariffs have severely disrupted India's trade, affecting labor-intensive sectors like textiles, jewelry, and marine products. In response, India has moved closer alliance-wise mainly with the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa—as these nations form a coalition seeking a common position against US economic pressures and tariffs.

Modi's meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit are more than ceremonial; they are aimed at asserting India's evolving diplomatic posture. These strategic decisions are aimed at redefining India's place in a dynamic global order.

Diplomatic engagement between India and China has been restored following the 2020 Galwan clash. Border patrol dialogues between the two nations have been renewed, and direct flights have resumed. Modi's summit discussions with Xi Jinping could further consolidate the rapprochement between India and China.

Prior to the SCO summit, Modi secured major investment commitments from Japan, amounting to nearly $68 billion over the next decade. India is balancing its engagements with China and Russia while deepening ties with Japan.

Modi's tour is an effort to offset the tariff blow and maintain economic momentum. His meetings with Xi and Putin are strategic decisions aimed at redefining India's place in a dynamic global order and underscoring its commitment to a more independent, multipolar foreign policy.

This diplomatic move sends a clear signal to Washington that economic autonomy and diversified partnerships are central to India's national strategy. As the world continues to evolve, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global arena, forging new alliances and strengthening existing ones.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits China for the first time in seven years; holds meetings with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin amidst growing impact of U.S. tariffs.