The SCO summit provides a platform for member states to address regional issues, from trade to security.
Reports from Indian media suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may travel to China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. If confirmed, it would mark his first visit to China in seven years. Although neither New Delhi nor Beijing has issued an official confirmation, the possibility itself has attracted significant international interest.
Whenever India and China engage at the highest levels, the discussions resonate globally, given their economic weight and growing influence. Analysts note that such visits are seen as opportunities to advance dialogue and strengthen regional cooperation.
In recent months, senior Indian officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have travelled to China. These visits have supported ongoing efforts to expand communication channels and explore areas of cooperation. Steps such as the resumption of pilgrimages to Tibet and the restarting of visa processing for Chinese nationals have been highlighted as positive developments.
If the visit goes ahead, it may be viewed as a continuation of these efforts. The timing has drawn international attention as India looks to balance its diverse global partnerships. Both India and China have underlined that their engagement is focused on mutual interests and not directed against any third party.
The SCO summit provides a platform for member states to address regional issues, from trade to security. For India and China, participation in such forums helps sustain dialogue within a broader framework of cooperation.
If Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Tianjin takes place, it would mark a notable diplomatic moment, closely watched for its role in shaping the trajectory of one of Asia’s most important bilateral relationships.