New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a high-stakes diplomatic journey to Japan and China next week, aiming to bolster bilateral ties and engage in multilateral discussions amid evolving global dynamics.
The four-day visit, spanning August 29 to September 1, marks a significant chapter in India’s foreign policy, particularly as it signals a potential thaw in relations with Beijing after a seven-year hiatus.
The itinerary kicks off in Japan, where Modi will arrive on August 29 for a two-day stay. Invited by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, he will participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This will be Modi’s eighth trip to the Land of the Rising Sun and his inaugural summit meeting with Ishiba. The two leaders are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the special strategic and global partnership between the two nations, covering critical areas such as defence and security, trade and economic cooperation, as well as advancements in technology and innovation.
Beyond bilateral matters, the discussions will delve into pressing regional and global issues, further cementing the longstanding friendly relations that have defined India-Japan ties for decades. Analysts believe this summit could pave the way for deeper collaboration in emerging sectors like clean energy and digital infrastructure, reflecting the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Shifting gears, Modi will head to China on August 31 for the second leg of his tour. At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. This multilateral gathering, the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, marks the fifth time China has hosted the event. During the summit, Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with several participating leaders, offering opportunities to address mutual concerns and explore avenues for cooperation.
Notably, this visit to China comes after a gap of seven years – Modi’s last trip was in 2018 for the SCO Summit in Qingdao. With both nations actively working to mend strained relations in recent times, experts suggest that the engagement could inject fresh momentum into India-China bilateral dynamics. From border disputes to economic partnerships, the talks hold the promise of steering ties towards stability and growth, especially in a post-pandemic world grappling with geopolitical tensions.
As India continues to assert its role on the global stage, Modi’s dual visits underscore New Delhi’s balanced approach to diplomacy – strengthening alliances with like-minded partners while engaging constructively with key neighbours. The outcomes of these interactions will be closely watched, potentially shaping the trajectory of Asia’s power equations in the coming years.
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