China and India pledge to be 'partners not rivals'

China and India, two of the world's largest and most influential countries, have recently taken steps to improve their relationship after years of tension. Their leaders, President Xi Jinping of China and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, met in Tianjin, China, during the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) summit. This was a significant event, as it marked Modi's first visit to China in seven years. The meeting comes after a long period of disagreement, especially over a border dispute in the Himalayas that led to deadly clashes between their troops in 2020. During their talks, President Xi emphasized that China and India should be 'partners, not rivals. ' He encouraged both sides to look at their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective, suggesting that friendship is the best choice for both nations. Prime Minister Modi echoed these sentiments, saying that there is now an 'atmosphere of peace and stability' between the two countries. He also announced that flights between India and China, which had been suspended since the border clashes, would soon resume, although he did not give a specific date.

The SCO summit itself is a major international event, attended by more than 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit is mostly symbolic, but it provides a platform for leaders to discuss common concerns and shared interests. This year, the summit has been overshadowed by trade tensions with the United States. President Donald Trump has imposed high tariffs on Indian goods as punishment for India's continued purchase of Russian oil, while Russia faces threats of sanctions due to its ongoing war in Ukraine. As the relationship between the US and India becomes more strained, Modi appears to be moving closer to China. Both China and India are not only the most populous countries in the world, but they also have two of the largest economies, making their partnership significant on a global scale.

The SCO was created in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian countries as a way to counter the influence of Western alliances like NATO. This year's summit is the largest since the organization was founded. In Tianjin, the summit has become a major event, with banners and billboards promoting it throughout the city. At night, tens of thousands of people gather to watch a light show on the city's tower blocks, while the streets are crowded with spectators hoping to catch a glimpse of the world leaders. Security is tight, with roadblocks set up to allow motorcades to pass quickly and taxis suspended in the downtown area. Despite these restrictions, the excitement among the city's residents is high, and many are eager to be part of what is being described as a historic meeting. Police have advised Tianjin's 13 million residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to shop locally for any immediate needs.

The renewed partnership between China and India could have a major impact on global politics and economics. By choosing to work together rather than compete, the two countries may be able to resolve their differences and contribute to greater stability in the region. The SCO summit has provided an opportunity for both nations to demonstrate their commitment to peace and cooperation, and the world will be watching to see how their relationship develops in the coming years.