Modi, Xi Jinping, and Putin to Meet at SCO Summit Amid Shifting Global Alliances

The SCO summit in Tianjin is set to be a focal point of international attention. Key discussions will involve Prime Minister Modi, President Xi Jinping of China, and President Putin of Russia. These bilateral talks are especially significant for India, given the current tensions with the United States stemming from Trump’s trade policies. Modi’s last visit to China was in 2018, and the current context of the relationship is centered around global instability caused by Trump’s trade strategies. Modi will engage in multiple bilateral meetings during the summit. For Modi, the summit presents an opportunity to send a signal to Trump, particularly after recent criticism over India’s purchase of Russian oil. The discussions between Modi and Xi are highly anticipated. Following the Galwan conflict in 2020, relations deteriorated, and the US reversed its policy of pitting India against China. President Xi has proposed a ‘dragon-elephant tango’ to reshape the India-China relationship. During Wang Yi’s visit to Delhi, he emphasized partnership, leading to agreements on direct flights, visa facilitation, and reopening border trading points. It was also determined that border issues would not negatively affect other bilateral matters. Maintaining stable India-China relations could ease the impact of US tariffs. Smooth trade and supply chains with China will benefit India’s economy.