Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting China this weekend for the first time in seven years, attending a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin amid worsening ties with the U.S.

The visit follows U.S. tariffs on Indian exports over New Delhi’s continued Russian oil purchases, which India defends as essential for energy stability.

Modi aims to stabilize India-China relations, diversify trade, and boost investment, while signaling independence from U.S. pressure, The Guardian has reported.

Ahead of China, he strengthened ties with Japan, securing major investment commitments, as India seeks to offset the economic impact of U.S. tariffs and balance global partnerships.