PM Narendra Modi Lands in China for First Visit in 7 Years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in China’s Tianjin on Saturday for his first visit to the country in seven years. The visit comes at a crucial time, with the global economy facing uncertainties and trade tensions escalating between major nations. PM Modi’s trip is scheduled to last for two days, during which he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1.
The SCO Summit is a significant regional gathering that brings together leaders from eight countries, including China, Russia, Pakistan, and India, to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism. PM Modi’s participation in the summit is expected to strengthen India’s ties with the SCO member nations and enhance the country’s role in regional affairs.
Apart from attending the SCO Summit, PM Modi is also scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting is significant, given the strained relations between India and China over the past few years. The two nations have had several border disputes, including the Doklam standoff in 2017, which saw troops from both sides engage in a tense standoff.
The PM’s visit to China comes at a time when the global economy is facing uncertainties. The US-China trade war has led to a decline in global trade, and the Indian economy is feeling the heat. In a bid to counter the impact of the trade war, India has been looking to strengthen its ties with other nations, including China.
The visit is also significant in the context of India’s relations with the US. US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India in June, which has led to a trade war between the two nations. PM Modi’s visit to China is seen as a move to diversify India’s trade relations and reduce its dependence on the US.
In recent years, India and China have been engaged in a trade war of their own. China has imposed tariffs on several Indian goods, including steel and aluminum, which has affected Indian exports to China. The trade war has also led to a decline in bilateral trade, which stood at $87 billion in 2020-21.
Despite the trade tensions, India and China have been working to strengthen their ties in other areas. The two nations have been cooperating on several regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism and climate change. They have also been working to enhance people-to-people exchanges, including tourism and education.
PM Modi’s visit to China is expected to focus on strengthening these ties and exploring new areas of cooperation. The two nations have been discussing several issues, including trade, investment, and infrastructure development. They have also been working to enhance cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, IT, and pharmaceuticals.
The visit is also significant in the context of India’s Look East Policy. The policy, which was launched in the 1990s, aims to strengthen India’s ties with Southeast Asia and East Asia. China is a key player in the region, and PM Modi’s visit is seen as a move to strengthen India’s relations with China and other nations in the region.
In conclusion, PM Narendra Modi’s visit to China is significant in the context of India’s relations with the global economy. The visit comes at a time when the global economy is facing uncertainties, and India is looking to diversify its trade relations. The PM’s trip is expected to strengthen India’s ties with China and other SCO member nations, and explore new areas of cooperation.
