Tianjin , Aug 30:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived at Binhai International Airport in Tianjin for a two-day official visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China.
Several Chinese officials and Indian officials greeted him with handshakes. The Prime Minister also received a warm welcome upon arrival, with artists staging a dance performance.
PM Modi will participate in the SCO summit meetings and hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines. He is also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the course of the summit.
The SCO summit is crucial for India, as it comes after the US’s 50 per cent tariffs took effect. Of these, a 25 per cent tariff was imposed on New Delhi for buying Russian crude oil.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with the host, Chinese President Xi Jinping, will also be attending the summit.The SCO comprises 10 members.
In addition to India, they include Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. There are also several dialogue partners and observers. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017, having been an observer since 2005. During its membership period, India has held the chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and of the SCO Council of Heads of State from 2022 to 2023.
This will be PM Modi’s first visit to China following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Recently, India and China have taken multiple steps to smooth their bilateral relationship, including the resumption of trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
During the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit on August 18-19, both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and
PM Modi arrives
other visitors in both directions.Both sides agreed to uphold multilateralism, enhance communication on major international and regional issues, maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and promote a multipolar world that safeguards the interests of developing countries.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gifted Ramen Bowls with silver chopsticks to the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba.
PM Modi also gifted a Pashmina shawl in a Papier Mache box to the spouse of the Japanese PM, Yoshiko Nakamura.
The vintage precious stone bowls set with silver chopsticks are a blend of Indian artistry and Japanese culinary tradition. Featuring a large brown moonstone bowl accompanied by four smaller ones and silver chopsticks, this piece draws inspiration from Japan’s donburi and soba rituals.
The moonstone, sourced from Andhra Pradesh, glows with adularescence and symbolises love, balance, and protection. At the same time, the base of the main bowl is made of Makrana marble, inlaid with semi-precious stones in the traditional parchin kari style of Rajasthan.
This Pashmina shawl, gifted to Yoshiko Nakamura, made from the fine wool of the Changthangi goat in Ladakh, is valued worldwide for being light, soft, and warm. Handwoven by Kashmiri artisans, it carries a centuries-old tradition once cherished by royalty.
The shawl has an ivory base with delicate floral and paisley patterns in rust, pink, and red, showing classic Kashmiri design and craftsmanship.
It comes in a hand-painted papier-mache box, decorated with floral and bird motifs, which adds to its beauty and cultural value. Together, the shawl and box represent Kashmir’s artistry, heritage, and timeless elegance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day visit to Japan on Saturday, describing it as “productive” and highlighting the positive outcomes achieved during his engagements.
He expressed gratitude to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for the warmth extended to him during the visit.
In a post on X, he said, “This visit to Japan will be remembered for the productive outcomes which will benefit the people of our nations. I thank PM Ishiba, the Japanese people and the Government for their warmth.”
PM Modi’s visit to Japan was his eighth since taking office in 2014, marking an important milestone in India-Japan relations.
