In a rare diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Cai Qi, a key aide and confidant of Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin. The 45-minute meeting, described as cordial, marks a significant step toward normalising ties between India and China.
Cai Qi, often regarded as Beijing&rsquo;s most powerful yet enigmatic official, rarely meets foreign leaders. His engagement with PM Modi, personally requested by President Xi, is being seen as a strong signal from China of India&rsquo;s centrality in bilateral and regional affairs.
&ldquo;Although nothing classified was discussed, the meeting sends a clear message to critics within China. The fact that President Xi personally instructed Cai to meet Modi is significant for bilateral ties,&rdquo; said a diplomatic source.
The dialogue comes amid India&rsquo;s broader approach to reset relations with China, aiming to move towards pre-May 2020 levels, with a stable and peaceful border as the foundation. Both sides are expected to converge gradually on issues such as terrorism, climate change, and fair trade, alongside strengthening apex-level military dialogue between Lt Generals and Major Generals to resolve border frictions efficiently.
While India remains concerned about China&rsquo;s close ties with Pakistan, New Delhi&rsquo;s step-by-step engagement signals a pragmatic strategy: maintaining bilateral relations without letting third-country dynamics dictate the course.
Observers note that this high-profile meeting, alongside PM Modi&rsquo;s bilateral session with President Xi, highlights a deliberate move toward stability and constructive dialogue between two Asian powers who were military rivals just five years ago.

Modi-Cai Meeting Marks Major India-China Shift

PM Modi’s talks with Cai Qi signals thaw amid China’s anti-India rhetoric

Modi-Cai Meeting Marks Major India-China Shift

PM Modi’s talks with Cai Qi signals thaw amid China’s anti-India rhetoric

September 2, 2025 | 13:37 IST