PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome in Tianjin Ahead of SCO Summit
Tianjin (China), August 30, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand and emotional welcome from the Indian community upon his arrival in Tianjin, China, on Saturday evening to participate in the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, beginning Sunday.
PM Modi was greeted with traditional cultural performances, enthusiastic chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, and waving tricolors by members of the Indian diaspora in China. The rousing reception reflected the pride and excitement of the community ahead of the Prime Minister’s key diplomatic engagements.
Sharing glimpses of the welcome on his social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “China’s Indian community accorded a very special welcome in Tianjin.”
From Japan to China: A Strategic Visit
The Prime Minister’s arrival in Tianjin came shortly after concluding his official visit to Japan earlier in the day. He landed at the Binhai International Airport, where officials and community members gathered to receive him.
“Landed in Tianjin, China. Looking forward to engaging in in-depth discussions during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and meeting with leaders from various countries,” PM Modi posted on X after landing.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi’s participation highlights India’s constructive and proactive role within the SCO framework.
Key Bilateral Meetings on the Sidelines
During the two-day summit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings with global leaders. He will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, followed by talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
This meeting with President Xi will be closely watched, as the two leaders last met during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in 2024. Their dialogue then led to a major breakthrough: an agreement on patrolling protocols along the 3,500-km Line of Actual Control (LAC), effectively easing a four-year-long border confrontation between India and China.
Observers say the Modi-Xi meeting could set the tone for further confidence-building measures and address unresolved issues in bilateral ties.
India’s Role in the SCO
India became a full member of the SCO in 2017 and held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State in 2022–23. Under its presidency, India initiated new collaborations in innovation, healthcare, digital connectivity, and cultural exchanges.
In his departure statement before leaving for Japan and China, PM Modi emphasized:
“India is an active and constructive member of SCO. During our Presidency, we introduced new ideas and initiated collaboration in the fields of innovation, health, and cultural exchanges. India remains committed to working with SCO members to address shared challenges and deepen regional cooperation. I also look forward to meeting President Xi Jinping, President Putin, and other leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.”
He further added: “I am confident that my visits to Japan and China would further our national interests and priorities, and contribute to building fruitful cooperation in advancing regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development.”
About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental body established in Shanghai on June 15, 2001. Its founding members were China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined in 2017, while Iran and Belarus became full members in recent years.
Current Membership of SCO (as of 2025):
- Full Members: China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Belarus
- Observer States: Afghanistan, Mongolia
- Dialogue Partners: Turkey, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Maldives, Myanmar, UAE
The SCO covers 40% of the world’s population and nearly 30% of global GDP, making it a key platform for dialogue on security, trade, counter-terrorism, energy cooperation, and regional stability.
What Lies Ahead
PM Modi’s participation in the SCO Summit in Tianjin is expected to focus on:
- Strengthening regional security frameworks amid global uncertainties
- Boosting trade and energy cooperation within the Eurasian region
- Counter-terrorism collaboration under SCO mechanisms
- Engaging with China and Russia to recalibrate India’s strategic positioning
Analysts suggest that the Modi-Xi meeting will be pivotal, especially as India and China explore ways to stabilize their ties after years of border tensions.