Modi’s Visit to China Aims to Strengthen Ties with Beijing and Moscow Amid U.S. Tariffs
PM Modi’s Historic Visit to China
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, his first visit to the country in seven years. The summit, which begins Sunday in Tianjin, will be a significant moment for India-China and India-Russia relations.
Key Takeaways from the Visit:
- Modi’s Warm Welcome in China:
- PM Modi was welcomed by the Indian diaspora in China upon arrival.
- This marks his first visit to China since 2014.
- Meeting with President Xi Jinping:
- On Sunday, PM Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- The focus of the meeting will be to strengthen bilateral ties and work on mutual issues.
- Improved India-China Relations:
- India and China have come a long way since the tensions of 2020, following the Galwan clash and military standoff.
- Modi expressed that steady progress has been made in India-China relations since his last meeting with Xi in Kazan, Russia, in 2022.
- The Importance of Stable Relations:
- Modi highlighted that stable ties between the two largest nations in the world are essential for regional peace and global stability.
- He stressed that India and China’s peaceful cooperation is crucial for a multi-polar Asia and the world.
- Boundary Dispute Resolution:
- Both countries have agreed to set up a group of experts to discuss a solution to the ongoing boundary issue.
- Direct flights and visa facilitation between the two countries are also in the works.
Meeting with Vladimir Putin on the Sidelines
- Modi to Meet Putin:
- On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Their talks will cover U.S. tariffs, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the situation in Gaza.
- Impact of U.S. Tariffs on India:
- U.S. President Trump’s 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% penalty for buying Russian oil, have caused significant friction.
- These tariffs are seen as pushing India closer to China and Russia, as it looks to diversify its global trade relationships.
- Shifting Foreign Policy:
- The tariffs have strained India’s growing ties with the U.S. and led to a shift toward strengthening relations with China and Russia.
- India is focused on balancing its strategic interests without aligning with any one power.
- A Multi-Polar World Vision:
- Modi’s visit to China and Russia underscores India’s commitment to a multi-polar world.
- India aims to maintain its autonomy while building key partnerships with global powers.
Conclusion: Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
PM Modi’s visit to China, along with upcoming talks with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, signals a pivotal moment for India’s foreign policy. By fostering closer ties with China and Russia, India aims to strengthen its global position while safeguarding national interests.
