Indian Prime Minister Modi ‘set for first China trip in 7 years’ amid Trump tariff row

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China later this month, according to media reports, as the thaw between the two countries gathers pace at a time when New Delhi’s relations with the Washington have been hit by growing trade tensions.

Modi will visit between August 31 and September 1 for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the northern city of Tianjin, according to multiple Indian outlets.

Ties between the two Asian giants have seen a steady improvement in recent months after a deadly clash along their disputed border in 2020 brought relations to their lowest point in decades.

The trip would be Modi’s first to China in seven years and pave the way for him to meet President Xi Jinping for the first time since they came face to face in Russia 10 months ago.

It comes amid growing strains between India and the US – including this week’s announcement of 50 per cent tariffs – that have prompted speculation New Delhi may shift its approach towards China.