'India-China ties based on mutual trust, respect': PM Modi meets Xi Jinping in Tianjin

PM Modi and Xi met on the sidelines of the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit that begins on Sunday.

During the meeting, PM Modi also said an "atmosphere of peace and stability" has been created after the disengagement on the border.

"Last year in Kazan, we had very fruitful discussions, which gave a positive direction to our relations. After the disengagement on the border, an atmosphere of peace and stability has been created," he said.

PM Modi also spoke about the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights between the two countries.

"The interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation. This will also pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity," he said.

This is PM Modi's first visit to China in seven years and comes amid the India-US rift over Donald Trump's tariff announcement.

In Tianjin, PM Modi was accorded a warm welcome at the airport and even by the Indian community.

Before leaving for India on Monday, PM Modi is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Xi will host an official banquet for the guests ahead of the SCO summit which will begin on Sunday.

Twenty foreign leaders are attending the SCO summit being organised by China.

The 10-member bloc comprises Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and China.

PM Modi on Friday said strong ties with China are "crucial" and will have a "positive impact on regional peace and prosperity".

The SCO Summit is also taking place as India navigates global economic and geopolitical turbulence over Russia's war on Ukraine, Israel's war on Gaza, and the United States' 50 percent tariff on Indian goods exported to that country.