Putin and Modi Attend Xi's Hosted Summit in China

SCO Summit in Tianjin

• Gathering of Leaders: President Xi Jinping hosted leaders from Russia, India, and around 20 Eurasian countries at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, emphasizing China's role in regional relations.
• Security Measures: The summit is taking place under tight security, coinciding with preparations for a military parade in Beijing marking 80 years since World War II's end.

Key Participants and Meetings

• Notable Attendees: The summit includes leaders from China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and several Central Asian nations, with over 20 leaders participating, marking the largest meeting since the SCO's inception in 2001.
• Bilateral Engagements: Xi held multiple bilateral meetings with leaders from the Maldives, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, as well as with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Strategic Implications

• Alternative to NATO: The SCO is positioned by China and Russia as a counterbalance to NATO, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions involving the U.S. and Europe.
• Multipolar World Order: Putin emphasized the summit's role in strengthening the SCO's ability to address contemporary challenges and promoting a multipolar world, contrasting with Western-led frameworks.

Influence and Future Prospects

• China's Growing Influence: The large participation at the summit reflects China's increasing influence and the SCO's appeal as a platform for non-Western countries, promoting sovereignty and non-interference.
• Russia's Positioning: Russia seeks to leverage the SCO for global standing and to strengthen ties with India, especially amid rising U.S. tariffs affecting Indian goods.

Regional Dynamics

• India-China Relations: Modi's attendance marks his first visit to China since 2018, amidst ongoing rivalry and past border conflicts, with a thaw in relations noted since last October.
• Exclusion from Beijing Parade: Modi was not listed among attendees for the upcoming military parade in Beijing, which includes leaders from Myanmar and North Korea, highlighting the complex dynamics in Sino-Indian relations.