Modi–Xi Kinesics Analysis (2018–2025): Trust Index

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August 31, 2025
Dinesh Singh Rawat
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ABC Live applies the Modi–Xi Kinesics Analysis to reveal how body language shaped India–China ties from Wuhan 2018 to Tianjin 2025. Our Trust Index proves that non-verbal diplomacy predicts resets, freezes, and fragile thaws.

New Delhi (ABC Live): Modi–Xi Kinesics Analysis: On August 31, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met during the SCO Summit in Tianjin. This ABC Live report presents the Modi–Xi Kinesics Analysis, illustrating how posture, gestures, and expressions reveal political intent and predict outcomes. Unlike mainstream coverage, we use kinesics — the scientific study of body language — to explain how diplomacy unfolds beyond words.

Modi–Xi Kinesics Analysis in Tianjin (2025)

Proxemics (Space): Modi reclined slightly, which showed caution. In contrast, Xi leaned forward, signalling hosting authority.
Oculesics (Eye Contact): Modi used steady but brief eye contact, reflecting measured caution. Meanwhile, Xi held longer gazes with micro-smiles, projecting trust.
Haptics (Handshake): Their handshake was firm and equal. However, Xi’s palm covered slightly more space, hinting at subtle control.
Gestures: Modi clasped his hands, which suggested restraint. On the other hand, Xi used open palms and wider gestures, steering the exchange.
Chronemics (Time): The meeting lasted 40–60 minutes. This was longer than Galwan-era exchanges but shorter than Wuhan’s day-long talks. Therefore, it reflected a transactional reset.
Microexpressions: Modi raised brows and pressed lips, showing polite scepticism. In contrast, Xi’s smiles lacked eye involvement, showing controlled warmth.
Paralanguage (Tone): Modi spoke calmly, in a neutral cadence. Meanwhile, Xi raised his tone at symbolic phrases like “dragon and elephant,” suggesting optimism.

(For international coverage of the meeting, see Reuters report on Modi–Xi in Tianjin.)

Comparative Modi–Xi Kinesics Analysis: Wuhan to Tianjin

Domain	Wuhan 2018 (Warmth)	Post-Galwan 2020–23 (Freeze)	Tianjin 2025 (Reset)
Proxemics	Close, informal	Distant, absent	Formal, balanced
Oculesics	Warm, frequent	Stiff, minimal	Steady, cautious
Haptics	Warm handshakes	Absent/neutral	Firm, equal
Gestures	Open, frequent	Defensive, closed	Xi broad, Modi restrained
Chronemics	10+ hours	Minutes only	40–60 minutes
Microexpressions	Genuine smiles	Stern/neutral	Controlled smiles
Paralanguage	Conversational, relaxed	Clipped, monotone	Diplomatic, cautious

Comparative Kinesics Index (2018–2025)

As this comparison shows, Wuhan’s warmth led to a reset, Galwan’s stiffness deepened the freeze, and Tianjin’s controlled caution allowed only a partial thaw.

Modi–Xi Kinesics Trust Index (0–10 Scale)

ABC Live created a Trust Index by scoring seven kinesics domains:

Wuhan 2018: 8.4/10 ? High warmth and trust ? Reset after Doklam.
Post-Galwan 2020–23: 2.3/10 ? Lowest trust ? Diplomatic freeze.
Tianjin 2025: 5.9/10 ? Mid-level trust ? Fragile thaw.

Kinesics Trust Index (0–10 scale)

Therefore, the Modi–Xi Kinesics Analysis demonstrates that trust is influenced by non-verbal cues.

Expert Opinion (ABC Live)

Wuhan (2018): Long hours, smiles, and closeness ? personal chemistry reset.
Post-Galwan (2020–23): Stiffness, distance, and absence of touch ? complete freeze.
Tianjin (2025): Controlled posture, asymmetric delegations ? fragile thaw.

Strategic Takeaway

China’s signal: Xi included FM Wang Yi, making the reset institutional.
India’s signal: Modi excluded EAM Jaishankar, keeping it leader + security-focused.
Projection: Unless kinesics shift toward warmth (smiles, gestures, proximity) and delegation symmetry improves, diplomacy will remain transactional rather than transformational.