The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, held from August 31 to September 1, 2025, brought together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with leaders from across Eurasia. This 25th Heads of State Council meeting of the SCO served as a platform for discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, and global challenges, with a particular focus on counter-terrorism and multilateralism. The summit also provided opportunities for key bilateral meetings that underscored the growing importance of India's role in multilateral diplomacy.

Key Takeaways from the SCO Summit:

1. Reinforcing Strategic Partnerships: PM Modi engaged in significant bilateral talks with both President Putin and President Xi. His meeting with Putin reaffirmed the longstanding strategic partnership between India and Russia, with discussions spanning key sectors such as defense, energy, trade, and technology. Modi extended an invitation to Putin for the annual India-Russia summit in December. The meeting with Xi marked a crucial step in re-establishing political dialogue between India and China after a prolonged hiatus due to border tensions. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and cooperation.
2. India's Strong Stance Against Terrorism: PM Modi delivered a powerful message condemning terrorism as the gravest threat to humanity. He called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and urged the global community to reject double standards in dealing with state-backed terrorism, referencing the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Modi emphasized that there should be no distinction between good and bad terrorists.
3. Commitment to Multilateralism: Both PM Modi and President Xi emphasized the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges. Modi highlighted the role of the SCO in fostering regional cooperation, while Xi reinforced China's commitment to strengthening partnerships within the organization. They underscored the need to work together to build a multipolar world order.
4. Addressing Regional Conflicts: The SCO summit provided a platform for dialogue on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi and Putin called for a peaceful resolution through diplomatic efforts, with Modi reiterating India's commitment to global peace and stability. Putin also acknowledged the efforts of China and India in resolving the Ukrainian crisis.
5. Economic Cooperation and Connectivity: Discussions at the summit also focused on enhancing trade, connectivity, and economic cooperation among member states. Modi highlighted India's support for projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, emphasizing that strong connectivity boosts trade and opens doors to growth and trust. Xi Jinping called for the establishment of an SCO development bank to support security and economic cooperation.

The "New Axis" and Global Implications:

The interactions between Modi, Xi, and Putin at the SCO summit have been interpreted by some as a subtle response to the escalating trade tariffs and perceived "bullying behavior" from the United States. The show of camaraderie among the three leaders, marked by warm exchanges and gestures of unity, signaled a potential shift towards a multipolar world order.

• Counterbalancing US Influence: Amidst global uncertainties and trade tensions, the SCO summit served as a platform for China to project itself as a stabilizing force, uniting the Global South to counterbalance the West, particularly the US. The summit also showcased the solidarity and collective strength of India, China, Russia, and other participating nations against what are widely regarded as unfair US tariffs across Asia.
• Economic Resilience: The summit fostered cooperation in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and payments, aiming to build long-term resilience by reducing reliance on US-dominated systems and enhancing regional self-sufficiency. Discussions also revolved around promoting trade in national currencies, such as the Rupee, Ruble, and Renminbi, as a strategic hedge against US pressure.

India's Role and Strategic Autonomy:

India's participation in the SCO summit underscored its growing diplomatic influence in the region and its commitment to strategic autonomy. PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to a balanced, independent foreign policy and expressed appreciation for Russia's consistent support on key strategic issues. He also highlighted the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in connectivity initiatives, indirectly referencing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The SCO summit in Tianjin, China, marked a significant moment in Eurasian diplomacy, highlighting the complex interplay of regional security concerns, economic interests, and evolving global power dynamics. The interactions between PM Modi, President Xi, and President Putin underscored the importance of multilateralism and cooperation in addressing shared challenges while also signaling a potential shift towards a more multipolar world order.