Watch: Xi meets Modi as China and India seek to rebuild ties

TIANJIN, China — In a formal thawing of relations between China and India, Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of a regional summit in Tianjin on Sunday.

This visit marks Modi’s first to China since the two nuclear-armed nations experienced a breakdown in relations following deadly border clashes in 2020. Modi is attending the summit as part of India's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional group focused on politics, economy, and security.

The meeting follows months of work to rebuild ties. Earlier in August, China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, traveled to New Delhi, where both governments announced their rapprochement. They pledged to restart border talks and resume issuing visas and direct flights.

Wang's visit coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose 50% tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil. However, Delhi's efforts to rebuild its relationship with China were already well underway.

This year has seen an increase in official visits and discussions aimed at easing restrictions on cross-border trade and movement. In June, Beijing even allowed Indian pilgrims to visit holy sites in Tibet, a move seen as a sign of goodwill.(NC)