Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tinjian on Friday, marking a key engagement on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional security, and the need to strengthen dialogue without the involvement of external players.

During the meeting, Modi underlined that India and China should not allow their relationship to be shaped through the lens of any third country. He stressed that direct engagement and practical cooperation between the two neighbours were essential for stability in Asia and beyond.

The talks come at a time when both nations are navigating complex geopolitical challenges, including border issues, trade concerns, and shifting global alignments. Officials said the meeting was aimed at creating an atmosphere of trust and exploring avenues for economic and strategic cooperation.

While no major agreements were announced, the interaction was viewed as a positive step toward managing differences and keeping communication channels open. Both sides expressed readiness to continue dialogue at various levels to address mutual concerns.