The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin marked a pivotal moment in Asian diplomacy for 2025, with prominent leaders attending from across the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present alongside President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia, holding crucial meetings that signalled a thaw in relations and an opportunity for cooperation amidst global tension.

This was PM Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, providing a platform for him to engage directly with President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin to discuss matters of trade, border disputes, and global security, all against the backdrop of recent US tariff hikes. The summit saw moments of camaraderie between PM Modi, President Xi and President Putin, capturing global attention and underscoring the importance of dialogue and partnership among major Asian powers.

PM Modi emphasised India’s longstanding ties with Russia and expressed support for recent peace initiatives regarding Ukraine, reinforcing India’s role as a stabilising force in the region. In his meeting with President Xi, PM Modi advocated for advancing Sino-Indian relations through mutual respect and collaboration, stressing that ongoing border issues should not dominate their broader strategic partnership. President Xi reciprocated by voicing hopes for sustained and healthy development in bilateral ties, highlighting a shared vision for prosperity and peace beyond geopolitical rivalries.

President Xi Jinping Pushes for Equal Multipolar Order

President Xi Jinping, hosting the summit, called for a more equitable and multipolar world order, sharply criticising policies like US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs. At the summit, President Xi Jinping stressed the need for nations to reject hegemony and embrace genuine cooperation, urging member states to adopt inclusivity, stability, and innovation in global governance. With the presence of President Putin, PM Modi and other regional leaders, the summit became a showcase of the Global South’s resolve to assert its interests and resist one-sided Western policies, particularly those that disrupt equitable economic development.

President Xi Jinping announced China’s commitment of major financial support and new initiatives for the SCO, including billions in grants and loans for member countries. The summit resulted in the signing of strategic documents and the setup of new frameworks for cooperation in areas like energy, infrastructure and artificial intelligence, further strengthening the SCO’s role in shaping future global systems.

PM Modi’s Vision for Security, Connectivity and Opportunity

PM Modi articulated his vision for the SCO as rooted in three pillars—Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. He highlighted India’s deep experience in combatting terrorism and called for unified action against forces that threaten humanity. With Pakistan’s Prime Minister also in attendance, PM Modi addressed the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that open support of terrorism by certain nations must no longer be tolerated within the SCO community. He detailed India’s efforts on regional connectivity, citing projects like the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, while urging respect for territorial integrity—a subtle reference to President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines, reaffirming their historic ties and discussing ongoing international crises, including the situation in Ukraine. The convergence of these leaders at the SCO not only offered a platform for resolving disputes but also underlined India’s commitment to constructive cooperation amidst shifting global dynamics.

A New Model of Global Governance

The summit concluded with a united declaration of support for a more just and multipolar global order. President Xi openly criticised the US-led tariff regime, mentioning the recent steep hikes that affected both India and China, and called on SCO members to resist unilateral moves that disrupt world trade. The group collectively advocated settling more trade in local currencies and proposed joint action to reform global governance structures. PM Modi, President Xi and President Putin were seen actively championing their nations’ interests during informal and formal discussions, setting the tone for stronger Asian solidarity on the world stage. The SCO’s strategic decisions from Tianjin are expected to guide its evolution as a principal platform for economic growth, security collaboration and diplomatic resolution in coming years.

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