PM MODI’s PARTICIPATION IN THE SCO SUMMIT WILL START A NEW CHAPTER IN THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO SUPERPOWERS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, on August 30, 2025, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit after wrapping up a two-day visit to Japan. He was given a grand welcome there. People of the Indian community welcomed him with Indian music. The visit comes after a gap of over seven years and is the first since the Galwan clash. 

 

China is hosting the SCO summit for the fifth time, with President Xi Jinping chairing the proceedings. More than 20 heads of state and 10 leaders of international organizations are expected to attend. These ten countries are Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and China.

WHAT ARE THE KEY FACTS ABOUT SCO?

 

SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China. It was established by six founding countries, namely Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, which evolved from the Shanghai Five mechanism.

 

SCO aims to strengthen mutual trust among member countries, enhance cooperation in various fields, ensure regional peace and stability, and promote a fair international political and economic order. The Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meets annually to discuss SCO cooperation strategies, prioritize areas, and approve the budget.

 

The SCO has two permanent bodies. The Secretariat is based in Beijing and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent focuses on regional security and counter-terrorism efforts.

 

The SCO has developed partnerships with various organizations, including the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and several United Nations agencies.

BILATERAL MEETING BETWEEN INDIA AND CHINA

A number of issues were discussed in the bilateral meeting between the two countries, which are mentioned below:

CHINA-INDIA DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping said, "This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations. The two countries need to handle their relations with a strategic and long-term perspective. We must also shoulder our historical responsibilities to uphold multilateralism, a multipolar world, and greater democracy in international institutions, and work together for peace and prosperity in Asia and around the world."

 

INDIA-CHINA RELATIONS TO MOVE FORWARD ON TRUST, RESPECT, AND SENSITIVITY

 

During the bilateral meeting in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled their talks in Kazan last year, which were extremely useful and gave a positive direction to India-China relations.

 

AN AGREEMENT REGARDING BORDER MANAGEMENT

 

An agreement on border management has been reached between the special representatives of India and China. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed, and direct flights between the two countries are also being restored. India emphasized its commitment to furthering relations based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.

 

DISCUSSION ON TRADE, TERRORISM, AND RIVERS

 

During this, both leaders expressed commitment to a just and acceptable solution to the border dispute. An agreement was also reached on issues like bilateral trade balance, public relations, cooperation on cross-border Rivers, and joint fight against terrorism.

 

ISSUE OF NEW TARIFF POLICIES

 

The most important issue in this conversation was the issue of US President Donald Trump's new tariff policies. In this meeting, PM Modi and Xi Jinping reviewed India-China economic relations.

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping gave four suggestions to strengthen relations. Prime Minister Modi welcomed these suggestions. 1. Enhancing strategic dialogue and mutual trust. 2. Expanding cooperation and exchanges. 3. Respecting each other's concerns 4. Working together in multilateral forums.

WELCOME ADDRESS OF XI JINPING DURING SCO SUMMIT

 

In his welcome address, Xi Jinping said that the SCO is playing an important role in regional peace, stability, and development, and this summit will further strengthen the unity and cooperation of member countries.

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping criticized bullying behavior in the international system at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and demanded a fair, just, and multilateral system. He appealed to all countries to promote cooperation, respect diversity, and common development. Jinping stressed maintaining unity despite differences.

 

This comment from Jinping has come at a time when China has strongly condemned the imposition of heavy tariffs by US President Donald Trump on many countries, including India. Without naming anyone, he accused some powerful countries of dogmatism and power politics.

 

He demanded a world order that is based on justice and equality and in which everyone has the right to participate. Jinping said, when this organization was established about 24 years ago, we laid the foundation of the 'Shanghai Spirit'. This spirit is based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, and respect for the diversity of civilizations and efforts for common development.

 

The Chinese President further said that the world situation still remains unstable and turbulent. We must reject the politics of intimidation, oppose external interference, and safeguard the rights of all countries to legitimate development.

PM MODI ADDRESSED THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE SUMMIT

 

Over the last twenty-four years, SCO has played a very significant role in connecting the extended family of the entire Eurasian region. India has played a very positive role as a member of the SCO. India's vision and policy for the SCO is based on three important pillars. S - Security, C- Connectivity, and O – Opportunity.

 

Security, peace, and stability are the basis of the development of any country. But terrorism, separatism, and extremism are big challenges in this path. Terrorism is not just a challenge to the security of a country but a common challenge for all of humanity.

 

SCO-RATS has played a very important role in this. This year, India took the initiative to fight “Al-Qaeda” and its associated terrorist organizations by leading the Joint Information Operation. We also proposed to increase coordination and take joint steps against radicalization. He expressed his gratitude for the support he received in raising his voice against terror financing.

 

India has been suffering the brunt of ruthless terrorism for the last four decades. So many mothers lost their children, and so many children became orphans. The recent attack in Pahalgam was not only a blow to the conscience of India, but it was an open challenge to every country, every person who believes in humanity. We have to oppose terrorism together, in every colour and form. This is our responsibility towards humanity.

 

India has always believed that strong connectivity opens doors not only to trade but also to trust and growth. We believe that every connectivity effort must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is also enshrined in the basic principles of the SCO Charter.

 

A Civilizational Dialogue Forum should be created under the SCO. Through this, we can share our ancient civilizations, art, literature, and traditions on a global platform. Today, India is moving forward on the basic mantra of Reform, Perform, and Transform. We are continuously working on wide-ranging reforms. SCO can become a guide for multilateralism and an inclusive world order.

WHO SAID WHAT ABOUT THE PARTICIPATION OF INDIA IN THE SCO SUMMIT?

 

Global survey reveals that there are signs of change in global governance. More than 90% people believe that the SCO summit will change the world order.

 

Michael McFaul, the former US ambassador to Russia during the Obama administration, wrote on X, "How did Trump isolate Modi so much that he is now attending summits with dictators Xi Jinping and Putin? Just last year, China and India were at war with each other! Trump and his team have completely failed at diplomacy."

 

Defense expert Sushant Singh says that Modi is meeting Xi Jinping at a time when he is in a very weak position. China wants friendly relations with India, but completely on its own terms. China has not given any concession to India on the LAC, trade, Tibet, or rare earth.

 

Tanvi Madan, a senior fellow at the think tank Brookings Institution, believes that apart from America, the friendship between Russia and China is also a big challenge for India.

 

Brahma Chellaney, a well-known strategic affairs analyst, says that based on past experiences, China may try to take advantage of India's weakness.

 

Stanley Johnny, international editor of the English newspaper 'The Hindu', says that Modi is not going to bow down to Trump's pressure tactics. Also, the decision about where India will buy oil from will be made in India, not in America. This does not mean that India-US relations are breaking. India knows very well that it needs America to fill its strategic gaps. But if America continues to behave like an enemy, then India has other options as well.

 

However, in view of the arbitrary attitude of US President Donald Trump regarding the global trade system, both countries are trying to improve relations and strengthen their economy. At such a time, the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping can speed up the process of improving relations. The warmth between the two was clearly visible in this meeting.