Modi plans first China trip in 7 years amid US tensions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit China for the first time in more than seven years, according to a government source, marking a fresh sign of improving ties with Beijing amid growing tensions with the United States.

This will be Modi’s first visit to China since June 2018. The summit comes at a time when India faces increasing pressure from the United States over its trade and oil deals with Russia. Relations between India and China had worsened after a deadly border clash in 2020. However, recent talks between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a BRICS summit in Russia have helped reduce tensions. Both countries are now slowly trying to rebuild ties.

Meanwhile, India’s relationship with the U.S. is facing one of its most serious challenges in years. U.S. President Donald Trump has already imposed high tariffs on Indian goods and has warned of further penalties due to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump may also impose an extra 10% tariff on BRICS member countries, including India, for following what he calls anti-American policies. India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is currently in Russia, where he is expected to discuss energy trade and defence deals, including the delayed delivery of the Russian S-400 air defence system. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is also expected to visit Russia soon.

According to a government report, the U.S. tariffs may affect $64 billion worth of Indian exports. However, since exports make up a smaller part of India’s $4 trillion economy, the impact on overall growth could be limited. The Reserve Bank of India has kept its GDP forecast unchanged at 6.5% for the current financial year, despite the ongoing trade uncertainty.