China welcomes PM Modi for SCO meet, says summit will be a gathering of solidarity

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, China's foreign ministry welcomed the Prime Minister, stating that the Tianjin Summit is anticipated to be a gathering of solidarity, friendship, and fruitful results, leading the SCO into a new stage of high-quality development. This marks the Prime Minister's first visit to China in seven years and occurs five years after the Galwan clashes. The visit takes place amidst an ongoing tariff dispute, with the United States imposing tariffs on both India and China. India currently faces a 25% tariff, set to increase to 50% by August 27. China, however, is under a 90-day tariff truce with the United States. China has expressed solidarity with India regarding the tariffs. An official announcement from India's Ministry of External Affairs regarding the visit is awaited.