Did PM Modi Just Arrive in China's Tianjin for the SCO Summit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi arrived in Tianjin for the SCO Summit.
- Key meetings with Xi Jinping and Putin are scheduled.
- India is an active member of the SCO since 2017.
- Focus on regional cooperation and addressing mutual challenges.
- Strengthening bilateral ties is a priority for India.
Tianjin (China), Aug 30 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in China's Tianjin on Saturday afternoon to participate in the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which kicks off on Sunday.
After wrapping up his visit to Japan earlier that day, PM Modi was greeted with a vibrant reception at the Binhai International Airport in Tianjin.
On social media platform X, PM Modi shared, "Landed in Tianjin, China. Eager to engage in detailed discussions during the SCO summit and connect with leaders from around the world."
During the Summit, Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to engage in several important bilateral discussions with global leaders. He is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, followed by a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
PM Modi last interacted with Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in 2024. The recent progress in their dialogues was facilitated after India and China reached an agreement on patrolling along the approximately 3,500-km Line of Actual Control (LAC), which helped resolve a four-year border standoff.
India has been a member of the SCO since 2017 and held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State of SCO during 2022-23.
In his departure statement, PM Modi remarked, "India is a proactive and constructive participant in the SCO. Throughout our presidency, we have introduced innovative ideas and fostered collaboration in areas such as innovation, health, and cultural exchanges. India is devoted to partnering with SCO members to tackle mutual challenges and enhance regional cooperation. I also anticipate meetings with President Xi Jinping, President Putin, and other leaders during the Summit."
He added, "I have confidence that my trips to Japan and China will further our national interests and priorities, contributing to fruitful cooperation aimed at regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development."
The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization that was established in Shanghai on June 15, 2001. The member nations include: China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.
Additionally, the SCO has two observer states—Afghanistan and Mongolia—and 14 dialogue partners, such as Turkey, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, and Nepal. Other partners include Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, The Maldives, Myanmar, and the United Arab Emirates.