Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Cai Qi, the powerful right-hand man of Chinese President Xi Jinping, in Tianjin, signaling a step toward normalizing India-China relations.
Known as a stern figure in Beijing and a key Politburo Standing Committee member, Cai rarely meets foreign dignitaries, making this engagement highly significant.
The 45-minute meeting focused on stabilizing bilateral ties and fostering cooperation on global issues like terrorism, climate change, and fair trade. Although no classified information was exchanged, the encounter sent a strong message to anti-India voices in China, reflecting the weight of Cai’s authority and his proximity to President Xi.
This development comes as India seeks gradual rapprochement with China, including apex-level military dialogues to resolve border issues and identify non-contentious border areas. Analysts see the engagement as a positive move toward restoring trust and improving ties after years of tension.