India’s Modi in Tianjin for SCO Summit and Delivers “Mann Ki Baat” Address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin today, reaffirming India’s commitment to improving ties with Beijing. Earlier this morning, he also delivered the 125th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, focusing on monsoon relief efforts.

Modi-Xi Bilateral Meeting In his first visit to China in seven years, Prime Minister Modi underscored New Delhi’s dedication to advancing bilateral relations “based on mutual trust and sensitivities,” noting that “peace and stability” have been restored along their Himalayan border since the 2023 disengagement. President Xi responded that both nations should not allow border issues to overshadow broader cooperation and called for “prolonged, healthy, and stable advancement” of India-China ties. The two leaders discussed resuming direct flights, strengthening people-to-people exchanges, and enhancing trade, with Modi extending an invitation to Xi for the 2026 BRICS Summit in India.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting

  • Commitment to maintain peace and tranquility along the border and pursue a mutually acceptable boundary resolution.
  • Agreed to bolster direct flights and facilitate visas to deepen cultural and economic links.
  • Emphasised strategic autonomy and cautioned against viewing their partnership through a third-country lens.
  • Modi invited Xi to the 2026 BRICS Summit, which Xi accepted, reinforcing support for each country’s upcoming presidencies of BRICS (India) and SCO (China).

125th Episode of “Mann Ki Baat” At 11:00 AM IST, Prime Minister Modi addressed listeners across India, acknowledging the devastation caused by recent floods and landslides. He praised the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state units, the armed forces, and volunteers for their rescue efforts using thermal cameras, drones, and sniffer dogs. Modi highlighted airlifting relief supplies and urged all citizens to support rehabilitation and rebuilding in affected regions.

“Wherever disaster struck, our responders worked day and night,” he said, offering condolences to families of those lost and urging unity in recovery.

Context and Significance Modi’s engagements in Tianjin signal New Delhi’s strategic balancing act amid U.S. tariffs on Indian imports and growing Western pressure over energy ties with Russia. By strengthening ties with China at the SCO Summit, India aims to diversify its diplomatic partnerships within the Global South and reinforce regional stability.

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