New Delhi, September 2, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Cai Qi, one of the closest confidants of Chinese President Xi Jinping, has stirred diplomatic circles in Beijing and New Delhi alike. Cai, who is known as the “right-hand man” of Xi and a feared figure within the Chinese Communist Party, rarely meets foreign leaders. His one-on-one interaction with PM Modi during the SCO summit in Tianjin has been interpreted as a significant gesture from Beijing.

A Rare Meeting

Cai, a senior member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Politburo Standing Committee, met PM Modi for over 45 minutes. Sources said the talks focused on ways to normalize relations between the two Asian giants, with an emphasis on restoring ties to the pre-May 2020 level, when border clashes strained relations.

During the conversation, Cai even joked with PM Modi about being tasked to host him for lunch, only to be told that the Prime Minister avoids heavy meals. His rare smile during the meeting was noted as an unusual display from a man often described as unsmiling and uncompromising.

Xi’s Direct Involvement

That President Xi personally directed Cai to meet Modi underscores the importance China places on re-engagement with India. During the SCO summit, Cai did not openly meet any other visiting leader, signaling that the outreach was a carefully crafted message to detractors within China who advocate a hardline stance against India.

Moving Beyond Border Frictions

While China’s close ties with Pakistan remain a concern for New Delhi, India has chosen not to let that relationship hold its bilateral progress hostage. The focus now is on stabilizing the border through higher-level military dialogue at the Lt General and Major General ranks. This would allow for faster resolution of disputes and clear demarcation of non-contentious stretches of the boundary.

Convergence on Global Issues

Beyond the border, both nations are expected to find common ground on global issues such as climate change, terrorism, and fair trade. With the bilateral meetings involving both President Xi and Cai Qi, there is cautious optimism that relations may stabilize after years of strain.

The meeting has been widely read as a signal to Chinese hardliners that normalization with India is now a priority, reflecting Beijing’s recognition of India’s growing strategic and economic weight.