The ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China has emerged as a pivotal platform for three prominent Eurasian powers: India, Russia, and China. This summit serves not only as a venue for dialogue but also as a powerful statement directed towards the Trump administration in the United States. The interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping were characterized by warmth, highlighted by smiles and embraces, underscoring a significant geopolitical message.
The optics of this summit are particularly noteworthy given the current climate of New Delhi's relations with Washington DC. The tension has escalated following the Trump administration's decision to impose tariffs on India as a consequence of its continued purchase of Russian oil. The visual of Prime Minister Modi and President Putin walking hand in hand serves as a clear indication that India will not succumb to US threats, reaffirming its long-standing ties with Moscow.
As the two leaders approached President Xi, their light-hearted exchange sparked speculation regarding the topics of discussion. Their relaxed body language hinted at a level of camaraderie that may leave the US administration pondering their next moves. Another striking moment occurred when Prime Minister Modi and President Putin positioned themselves for a group photograph, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif notably standing alone in the background.
Amidst the summit's proceedings, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin are scheduled to engage in a crucial bilateral meeting on the sidelines. This meeting follows Modi's discussions with President Xi, where both leaders expressed their commitment to finding a fair and reasonable solution to ongoing border disputes and emphasized the importance of enhancing trade and investment ties. Modi stated that strengthening ties with China is vital for the mutual benefit of the 2.8 billion people in both nations, aiming for the welfare of humanity as a whole.
A significant topic of discussion at the summit was terrorism, particularly in light of China's longstanding alliance with Pakistan. India has consistently highlighted Islamabad's role in supporting terrorist activities, making this dialogue particularly crucial. The current efforts to reboot India-China relations come after years of tension and are set against the backdrop of the ongoing tariff war initiated by the US.
During their meeting, President Xi made an indirect reference to the global turbulence instigated by US policies, urging that India and China, as key players in the Global South, should bolster their cooperation on significant international and regional challenges. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to President Xi to participate in the upcoming BRICS summit that India will host next year. In response, President Xi expressed gratitude for the invitation and assured China’s support for India's presidency in BRICS.
Overall, the SCO summit stands as a testament to the evolving dynamics among these powerful nations and their collective stance in the face of external pressures, particularly from the United States.
