PM Modi Meets Cai Qi In Tianjin; Holds Talks With Xi Jinping On Strengthening India–China Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi in Tianjin on Sunday, where the two leaders discussed a wide range of economic and political matters, while also stressing the importance of expanding people-to-people exchanges between India and China.

Taking to X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted, “PM @narendramodi met Politburo Standing Committee Member Mr. Cai Qi in Tianjin, China. Building on, and in line with, the leaders’ meeting today, they touched on bilateral economic, political and people-to-people exchanges between India and China.”

During the meeting, Cai reaffirmed China’s willingness to deepen bilateral engagement and improve relations in line with the consensus between the two leaders.

According to an MEA release, “Prime Minister also had a meeting with Mr Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. Prime Minister shared with Mr Cai his vision for bilateral relations and sought his support to realise the vision of the two leaders. Mr Cai reiterated the Chinese side’s desire to expand bilateral exchanges and further improve relations in line with the consensus reached between the two leaders.”

PM Modi–President Xi Meeting on SCO Sidelines

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.

Both leaders reviewed the progress made since their last meeting in Kazan in 2024, and agreed that India and China were partners in development, not rivals, and that differences should not escalate into disputes.

In a separate post on X, Jaiswal posted, “PM @narendramodi met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. The two leaders reviewed the progress of India-Japan bilateral relations since their meeting in Kazan last year. Stable and amicable ties between India and China are important for our economic growth, for reformed multilateralism and for a multipolar world and Asia. Supported the work of the two SRs on the boundary question. Agreed to further promote people to people exchanges. Predictable economic and trade cooperation between India and Japan helps stabilize world economy.”

Focus on Peace, Connectivity and Trade

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that peace along the border was essential for healthy bilateral ties.

The two leaders discussed enhancing connectivity through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visas.

On trade, both sides acknowledged their economic weight in stabilising global markets and agreed to expand bilateral commerce while working to address the trade imbalance.

The MEA asserted, “Prime Minister noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens. The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms.”

PM Modi extended India’s support for China’s SCO Presidency and invited Xi Jinping to the 2026 BRICS Summit in India.

Xi expressed appreciation for the invitation and assured China’s backing for India’s upcoming Presidency.

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