In a significant diplomatic outreach, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a high-stakes visit to Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, 2025. This trip, marking Modi's eighth visit to Japan and his first to China in seven years, comes at a pivotal moment amid escalating U.S. tariffs on both nations and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The itinerary included the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo and attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, where Modi held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visits underscored themes of economic cooperation, strategic partnerships, and regional stability, with media coverage in both countries reflecting a mix of optimism and pragmatism.
Bolstering the India-Japan Partnership: Economic and Technological Synergies
Modi's journey began in Japan, where he arrived on August 29 for a two-day summit focused on deepening bilateral ties. The discussions with Ishiba emphasized economic resilience, technology collaboration, and defense cooperation, particularly in light of shared concerns over U.S. trade policies. A key highlight was Japan's commitment to nearly $68 billion in private investments into India, alongside the launch of an Economic Security Initiative aimed at securing supply chains. Modi and Ishiba also traveled together on the iconic Shinkansen bullet train, symbolizing the high-speed progress in their relationship.
Japanese media outlets portrayed the visit as a strategic opportunity to enhance mutual resilience. The Nikkei, Japan's leading economic daily, featured the summit on its front page, highlighting agreements such as JPY 10 trillion in investments, the influx of 50,000 skilled Indian professionals to Japan, and deepened cooperation in the semiconductor industry. The Japan Times noted, "Modi's visit provides an opportunity to enhance the resilience of both countries' economies in light of the ongoing tariff disputes with the U.S.," emphasizing how the partnership positions India as a "springboard" to the Global South. Modi himself wooed Japanese investors, stating, "Japan's excellence and India's scale can create a perfect partnership," and adding that "technology of Japan and talent of India can together lead the world."
The warm reception from the Indian diaspora and local crowds was also captured vividly. Chants of "Modi-san" echoed in Tokyo, with The Japan Times reporting on the enthusiastic welcome and Modi's use of "Arigato gozaimasu" (thank you very much) to express gratitude. Osamu Suzuki, Adviser to Suzuki Motor Corporation, met Modi, underscoring the long-standing economic bonds, as Japanese companies have already invested $13 billion in India. Overall, Japanese coverage framed the visit as a forward-looking alliance, with one analyst in The Economic Times noting India's "careful choreography" in balancing ties with Japan while managing relations with China.
Re-engaging with China: Cautious Steps Toward Reconciliation
Following the Japan leg, Modi landed in Tianjin on August 30, greeted by senior Chinese officials at Binhai International Airport. This marked his first trip to China since 2018, amid strained relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and border disputes. At the SCO summit, Modi held his first formal bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping in five years, focusing on mutual respect and sensitivities to progress ties. Xi described it as the "right choice" for India and China to be friends, urging the "dragon and elephant" to come together. In response, Modi affirmed India's commitment to relations "based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities," noting an agreement reached by special representatives on border issues.
Chinese media responses were measured, blending cautious optimism with calls for partnership. The state-run Global Times quoted a Hindu proverb—"Help your brother's boat across, and yours will reach the shore"—to warmly welcome Modi's visit, signaling a rare positive gesture amid thawing tensions. An editorial urged India to view China's development as an "opportunity, not a threat," and to see each other as partners. However, coverage was notably subdued compared to Indian media; People's Daily and CCTV offered minimal mentions, with Xinhua providing just a one-liner on the Modi-Xi meeting. Commentators in Global Times viewed the visit as India "opening doors but on China's terms," reflecting pragmatism amid U.S. pressures.
Social media in China buzzed with mixed reactions. Many users praised Modi's defiance of U.S. tariffs, seeing the visit as a boost for SCO unity, while others expressed skepticism about long-term cooperation. China Daily echoed this, stating India should embrace China as a collaborator in high-quality development. Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed the visit earlier, framing it as a step toward improved diplomacy.
Broader Implications: Navigating a Multipolar World
Modi's dual visit highlights India's strategic balancing act in a world reshaped by U.S.-China rivalries and economic uncertainties. The trip aligns with India's push for self-reliance while fostering alliances, as Modi also anticipated meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO. Analysts note that U.S. tariffs have inadvertently pushed India and China closer, with Modi's engagements signaling a pragmatic reset.
As Modi concluded his tour, the visits reinforced India's role in regional stability. With chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" echoing even in China, the diplomatic outreach not only addressed bilateral issues but also positioned India as a key player in Asia's evolving landscape. While challenges like border disputes persist, the media narratives from Japan and China suggest a tentative path toward constructive engagement.