SCO Summit in China: A Stage for Modi, Xi, and Putin Amidst Shifting Global Alliances

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, will bring together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This summit represents Modi’s first visit to China in seven years and is viewed as a pivotal diplomatic event for India. The visit, slated for August 31st and September 1st, was announced by Foreign Ministry Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal. The summit, hosted at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, is expected to include bilateral discussions. Leaders from Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and South-East Asia will also be present. This marks the first public appearance of the three leaders – Modi, Xi, and Putin – since the BRICS summit in Russia, raising the possibility of trilateral talks between India, China, and Russia. For China, the summit is seen as a means to demonstrate unity among Global South countries, support Russia amid sanctions, and solidify its expanding global influence. The summit provides a chance for India to navigate its relations with China, particularly in the wake of border disputes. Experts suggest the summit could serve as a platform to foster trust and cooperation, with an eye on resolving border tensions and promoting trade. The event is seen as part of the emergence of a multipolar world order, in which India’s role becomes increasingly important.