【By Guo Yan, Observer News】Indian Prime Minister Modi began a two-day visit to Japan on August 29, which is the eighth visit to Japan since he became the Indian Prime Minister. Subsequently, he will go to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit.
According to India's New Delhi Television (NDTV), on the afternoon of the 29th local time, Modi told the media in Japan that maintaining a close relationship with China is crucial, which will have a positive impact on "regional peace and prosperity" and bring stability to the global economy. He also mentioned that the BRICS countries "can play an important role in building a multipolar world."
"Modi echoed the Chinese position"
Modi said that he would depart from Japan to Tianjin to attend the SCO summit at the invitation of China. "Since our meeting with Chinese leaders at the SCO Kazan Summit last year, our bilateral relations have made steady and positive progress."
Modi said: "India and China are the two most populous countries in the world. A stable, predictable, and friendly bilateral relationship between the two countries can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity."
"This is also crucial for building a multipolar Asia and the world," said Modi.

August 29, Tokyo, Japan: Indian Prime Minister Modi delivers a speech at the India-Japan Economic Forum. Visual China
Modi also mentioned the key role of the BRICS countries.
In an exclusive interview with the Nikkei News, he said that the BRICS countries "can play an important role in building a multipolar world," and this role is particularly significant when "the world order is under pressure and the effectiveness and credibility of global governance institutions are insufficient."
In March this year, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China, mentioned the Sino-Indian relationship, saying that China and India are each other's largest neighbors. China has always believed that being a partner who achieves mutual success and realizing the "dragon and elephant dancing together" is the only correct choice for both sides.
Indian media believe that this indicates that China is seriously considering exploring more mutually beneficial cooperation with India, and Modi has echoed the Chinese statement.
He said: "Given the volatility of the global economy, the cooperation between India and China is crucial for the stability of the world economic order. India is willing to promote bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective on the basis of mutual benefit."
NDTV reported that in addition to specific goods and industries, the two large markets themselves can drive each other's economic development, especially as both sides hope to promote export market diversification to alleviate the impact of Trump's tariffs.
Modi actively seeks investment
During his visit to Japan, Modi will visit four local factories, including one that produces the prototype of the E10 Shinkansen bullet train, which India hopes to purchase. The two sides will also sign memorandums of understanding involving defense, trade, technology, and business.
On the 29th, Modi told the Nikkei News that India has a stable political environment and a transparent policy framework, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and is expected to become the third-largest economy in the world in the near future.
He issued an invitation to Japanese businesses during his speech: "Come to India to manufacture, produce for the world."
Without directly mentioning U.S. tariffs, Modi said: "The foundation of globalization itself is being re-evaluated, and countries realize the need to promote trade and technological diversification. Many countries see India as a reliable partner in this process."
Modi called defense and security cooperation a "core pillar" of their collaboration. "The Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are also discussing the possibility of cooperating on ship maintenance in India."
Modi said that technology is a "major priority" for the Indian government. He stated that cooperation between Japan and India in areas such as semiconductors, displays, and audio-visual products is "very reasonable," especially considering Japan's leadership and advantages in these areas. He revealed that there are currently six semiconductor plants in different stages of construction in India, and another four plants are about to start construction.
"By the end of this year, people will be able to see 'Made in India' chips in the market," he said.
India's subtle strategic autonomy
From a broader geopolitical perspective, Reuters analyzed that India is dealing with the impact of the escalating tariff attacks by U.S. President Trump. During his visits to Japan and then to China, Modi will meet with leaders of Japan, China, and Russia, seeking to establish closer diplomatic relations.
The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, scheduled to be held from August 31 to September 1, is the largest in the organization's history and the fifth time China has hosted an SCO summit.
Indian media also noted that this year's summit is the largest in the history of the SCO, bringing together over 20 countries and multiple global organizations, making it an important multilateral platform. For India, participating in the summit shows its adherence to a multilateral foreign policy strategy, maintaining contact with China and Russia, while balancing relations with the West, Japan, and ASEAN. In the context of increasing criticism and trade pressure from the West, Modi's attendance at the SCO summit demonstrates his delicate strategic autonomy.
Observer News columnist Yao Yuanmei believes that according to Modi's itinerary, he first visits Japan, then China, and avoids parades during the trip, which reflects some tacit understanding between India and Japan regarding historical perceptions of World War II. Although Modi loudly announced his visit to China, there are still many strategic considerations behind it. Overall, there can be some expectations for this visit, but it should remain rational and not expect too much. International politics is often full of complex interest games, and the specific results will require further observation.
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