Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Modi-Xi Signals May Help Reset India-China Ties
Leaders from several Eurasian countries met at an SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan.
Narendra Modi of India, Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia appeared comfortable speaking with one another.
Modi and Xi also met directly.
Their conversation could help improve India-China relations after fighting near their border in 2020.
Modi called for terrorism to be stopped.
The meeting also discussed wars and the changing balance of power in the world.
China wants countries to cooperate without forming traditional alliances.
The article says calm along the India-China border is necessary for trust to grow.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit brought Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin together in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Face-to-face contact between Modi and Xi was presented as a possible step toward improving ties strained by the 2020 Galwan skirmishes.
Modi strongly emphasized ending terrorism while Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was present.
The summit highlighted China’s push for greater economic, technical and security cooperation outside US-led alliances.
The article says peace along the Line of Actual Control remains central to deeper India-China relations.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were prominent participants; Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present.
- What
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation held its silver jubilee summit, where leaders discussed cooperation, terrorism, wars and regional relations.
- When
- The summit took place shortly before the BRICS summit in New Delhi, which the article says was 10 days away.
- Where
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- Why
- The summit provided an opportunity for Eurasian leaders to meet and possibly improve India-China ties, while addressing terrorism, conflict and changing global power relationships.
Possible Reset and Cooperation
Strategic Rivalry and Conflict
Meaning of the Modi-Xi meetings
Possible Reset and Cooperation
Direct contact between Modi and Xi could help restore India-China ties and reduce tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
Strategic Rivalry and Conflict
The meetings alone may not resolve the disputes and tensions that followed the 2020 Galwan skirmishes.
SCO’s broader purpose
Possible Reset and Cooperation
The organisation can promote economic, technical and security cooperation among countries seeking to coexist without alliances or confrontation.
Strategic Rivalry and Conflict
The summit may mainly advance China’s effort to challenge US dominance and expand its influence across the Global South.
Approach to global security
Possible Reset and Cooperation
India’s call to end terrorism and move from war toward peace reflects the interests of countries not currently fighting wars.
Strategic Rivalry and Conflict
The article argues that continuing conflicts and military escalation by major powers are damaging the global economy, oil supplies and supply chains.
- Forum
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit
- Location
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Key bilateral contact
- Face-to-face meetings between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping
- India-China dispute
- Relations deteriorated after the 2020 Galwan skirmishes
- India’s stated emphasis
- Ending terrorism and preserving strategic autonomy
- Next SCO host
- Pakistan
- Critical relationship issue
- Peace along the Line of Actual Control
- Upcoming related summit
- BRICS summit in New Delhi