Xi and Modi Affirm 'Dragon and Elephant' Partnership for 2.8 Billion People

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant bilateral meeting on August 31, 2025, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. The leaders emphasized the vast demographic representation of their nations and the imperative for enhanced cooperation. President Xi notably stated, "it’s time for the dragon and the elephant to come together," highlighting the collective influence of their combined populations, which they noted represent 2.8 billion people.

The meeting, Prime Minister Modi's first visit to China in seven years, occurred amidst a rapidly changing global landscape. President Xi underscored this fluidity, remarking, "The world today is swept by once-in-a-century transformations. The international situation is both fluid and chaotic." He stressed that both nations are at critical stages of development and should view each other as opportunities rather than threats, working towards a multipolar world order.

Both leaders acknowledged the positive momentum in their bilateral relations since their previous meeting in Kazan in October 2024. This renewed engagement is partly influenced by external factors, including recent US tariffs on Indian goods, which analysts suggest are prompting New Delhi to seek closer ties with Beijing. Prime Minister Modi affirmed India's commitment to advancing relations "based on mutual trust, respect and sensitivities," according to India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Discussions covered critical areas, including maintaining peace and tranquility along their disputed Himalayan border, a significant point of contention following the 2020 clash. Both sides expressed satisfaction with last year's disengagement and committed to a fair resolution of the boundary question. Efforts to reduce India's trade deficit with China, resume direct flights, and foster people-to-people exchanges were also on the agenda, signaling a comprehensive approach to improving ties.

The leaders agreed that a stable relationship between India and China is crucial for the growth and development of both countries and for a multipolar Asia in the 21st century. They also explored expanding common ground on regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism and reforms in multilateral institutions like the WTO and UN. This summit serves as a platform for strengthening Global South solidarity and promoting a more balanced international order.