China on Friday extended a formal welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his anticipated visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled from August 31 to September 1.
This would mark Modi’s first visit to China in over seven years, pointing to the strategic importance India continues to attach to multilateral regional platforms despite ongoing bilateral tensions.
Responding to reports of Modi’s participation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, “China welcomes Prime Minister Modi for the SCO Tianjin Summit.” The remarks were made during a regular press briefing in Beijing.
“We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness,” Guo added.
Also read: PM Modi to visit China for SCO summit
The summit, set to be held in the northern port city of Tianjin, will bring together leaders from over 20 countries, including all SCO member states and heads of at least 10 international organisations. Guo said it would be the largest gathering since the bloc's formation.
Modi last visited China in 2018 to attend the informal summit in Wuhan with Chinese President Xi Jinping, followed by another meeting in 2019 in Mamallapuram, India. However, relations soured after the 2020 border clash in eastern Ladakh, which continues to shadow bilateral ties.
Despite ongoing military stand-offs and diplomatic friction, India remains actively engaged with the SCO, where it has been a full member since 2017. The summit provides a platform for regional cooperation in security, economic connectivity, and cultural exchange, including key players like Russia, China, and Central Asian nations.
Follow us
