Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, on 31 August 2025 to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, marking the second leg of his two-nation diplomatic tour. During the summit, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia, underscoring India’s active role in regional multilateral forums.
Context and Objectives
- Diplomatic Outreach: Following the successful Japan visit, Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the SCO Summit reaffirms India’s commitment to engaging with key regional powers on security, economic connectivity, and counterterrorism.
- Bilateral Engagements: Meetings with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin aim to strengthen strategic partnerships, discuss border stability, energy cooperation, and enhance economic ties.
- Multilateral Agenda: The summit focuses on counterterrorism, combating narcotics trafficking, promoting digital connectivity, and exploring joint infrastructure projects under the SCO framework.
Key Agenda Items
- Counterterrorism Cooperation:
India will push for enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated action against cross-border terrorism under the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). - Economic Connectivity:
Discussion on integrating India into the Eurasian Economic Union supply chains and SCO-driven infrastructure corridors to boost trade. - Energy Security:
Dialogue on expanding energy collaboration, including oil and gas supplies from Russia and green energy partnerships with China. - Digital and Cyber Collaboration:
Emphasis on secure digital networks, cybersecurity frameworks, and exploring joint innovation in 5G and artificial intelligence.
UPSC Relevance and Syllabus Connections
- GS Paper 2 (International Relations):
- India’s multilateral diplomacy in the SCO
- Bilateral relations with China and Russia
- Regional security architecture and counterterrorism frameworks
- GS Paper 3 (Economy & Technology):
- Cross-border infrastructure projects and trade corridors
- Energy cooperation agreements
- Cybersecurity and digital connectivity initiatives
Strategic Implications for India
- Regional Security Balance:
Active engagement with China and Russia within SCO mitigates strategic uncertainties and reinforces India’s influence in Central Asia. - Economic Opportunities:
Participation in infrastructure corridors under SCO can diversify India’s trade routes and reduce dependency on maritime routes. - Counterterrorism Leadership:
By spearheading anti-terrorism initiatives, India positions itself as a security leader in the Eurasian region.
Challenges and Considerations
- Geopolitical Rivalries:
Balancing ties between China and Russia while safeguarding India’s strategic autonomy. - Infrastructure Financing:
Ensuring viable funding models for SCO projects without compromising national interests. - Cyberspace Norms:
Harmonizing diverse cybersecurity policies among member states for effective cooperation.