Modi, Xi push balanced trade links, border stability at SCO

India and China have moved closer to repairing a complex relationship battered by their 2020 border clash, as rising tariff wars and creaking supply chains foster an environment to rebuild bridges.

- Dhirendra Kumar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, in Modi's first visit to the northern neighbour since 2018. The two leaders stressed the need to expand trade and investment ties with a political and strategic vision, while addressing New Delhi's concerns over its trade deficit with Beijing.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi and Xi also pointed to the role of their economies in stabilizing global commerce, as leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) met at the port city a couple of hours' drive from Beijing. Modi noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and that their relationship should not be seen through the prism of a third country.

Modi's visit comes at a time when the two Asian giants face steep tariffs from Washington. Last week, the US raised tariffs on India to 50%, citing India's links to Russia that New Delhi defends. Meanwhile, trade talks with the US remain in limbo.

The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian nations. The group's primary purpose is to address regional security threats, while also promoting economic and cultural cooperation among its members.