Modi in China: Why This Visit Matters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is traveling to China for the first time since 2018, joining President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. The timing is crucial—just days after US President Donald Trump imposed steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
For India, the visit is more than symbolic. It highlights how New Delhi is recalibrating ties with Beijing even while border tensions remain unresolved.
The US Factor
The United States has invested years in building India as a strategic counterweight to China. Joint military drills, defense technology transfers, and the Quad alliance strengthened this partnership.
But Trump’s tariffs and trade disputes have put strain on the relationship. Analysts warn that if India leans too close to China, Washington’s long-term Indo-Pacific strategy could face serious challenges.
India-China Relations: From Clash to Cooperation
| Period | Nature of Relationship | Key Turning Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | Friendly beginnings | India recognized China early |
| 1962 | Hostile war | Sino-Indian conflict |
| 2000s | Trade-driven growth | Rapid rise in bilateral trade |
| 2020 | Border violence | Galwan Valley clashes |
| 2025 | Strategic pragmatism | Modi’s China visit post-US tariffs |
Despite deep mistrust, economic ties are undeniable. Last year, India-China trade reached $118 billion, making China India’s second-largest partner after the US.
Strategic Autonomy in Action
At the SCO summit, Modi will share the stage with Xi, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Pakistan’s PM, and Central Asian leaders. This reflects India’s strategy of engaging multiple blocs while avoiding rigid alliances.
At the same time, India remains active in the Quad (US, Japan, Australia), a grouping aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
This balancing act is a reminder of India’s long-held policy of strategic autonomy—prioritizing national interest above all else.
Border Tensions Still a Barrier
While talks between Modi and Xi could ease economic friction, the Himalayan border dispute continues to shadow relations. Both countries have thousands of troops deployed in Ladakh, and despite recent agreements on “peace and stability,” true trust is still lacking.
What Comes Next
Modi’s China visit is unlikely to mark a complete reset. Instead, it signals a pragmatic adjustment in India’s foreign policy, driven by economic needs and shifting global alignments.
For the US, the challenge is clear: keep India close while avoiding policies that push New Delhi toward Beijing. For India, the goal is balance—trade with China, security with the US.