The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin marked a notable moment in international diplomacy. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, showcasing a complex interplay of global power relations. This meeting occurred amid heightened tensions with the United States, which responded with sanctions and tariffs. Despite initial friction, India and the U.S. signalled a warming of ties by week’s end. The summit and subsequent events reveal evolving alliances and India’s continued pursuit of strategic autonomy.
The SCO Summit and Its Global Significance
The SCO summit brought together leaders from ten member states and several invited countries. It served as a platform for China to project power, especially through a military parade in Beijing commemorating 80 years since World War II’s end. The declaration issued criticised unilateral economic sanctions, a clear reference to U.S. and European measures. Modi promoted civilisational dialogue among SCO members, while Xi introduced a Global Governance Initiative. The summit brought into light a shift towards multipolarity and resistance to Western dominance.
Modi-Xi Bilateral Meeting and Border Normalisation
Modi’s visit to China was his first since 2018 and the first face-to-face with Xi on Chinese soil since the 2020 Galwan clash. The meeting was notably cordial. Xi called India a partner not rival. Both leaders agreed to delegate border talks to Special Representatives. They also discussed resuming flights, easing visa processes, and resolving trade disputes. This indicated a thaw in relations and a pragmatic approach to complex issues despite lingering distrust.
U.S. Reaction and Indo-American Relations
The U.S. viewed the SCO meetings with suspicion, interpreting the Modi-Xi-Putin photo as India shifting allegiance eastward. Former President Donald Trump and officials criticised India’s closer ties with Russia and China. The U.S. maintained tariffs and sanctions, particularly targeting Indian imports of Russian oil. However, by the week’s end, Trump acknowledged a special relationship with India, and Modi reciprocated the positive tone. The episode telld the delicate balance in Indo-U.S. relations, strained yet resilient.
India’s Strategic Autonomy and Future Prospects
India’s actions at the SCO reflect its long-standing policy of strategic autonomy. Rather than choosing sides, India seeks to balance relations with major powers. The revival of ties with China and Russia aims to stabilise regional dynamics. Meanwhile, India continues to engage with the U.S. on trade, military cooperation, and global forums like BRICS and the Quad. Upcoming diplomatic efforts, including talks during the UN General Assembly and the planned Quad summit, will be critical in shaping India’s foreign policy trajectory.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the concept of strategic autonomy in Indian foreign policy and how it shapes India’s relations with major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia.
- Analyse the role of regional organisations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in promoting multipolarity and countering Western influence.
- Examine the impact of economic sanctions and tariffs as tools of foreign policy. How do countries like India navigate these challenges while maintaining diplomatic balance?
- Point out the significance of bilateral summits in resolving border disputes and trade issues, using the India-China 2025 meeting as a case study.
