India Eyes Diplomatic Opportunities at the SCO Summit in China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, presenting a crucial diplomatic moment. This visit, occurring on August 31st and September 1st, is Modi’s first to China in seven years. The summit will be hosted by President Xi Jinping, with leaders from various regions, including Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and Southeast Asia in attendance. It will mark the first public appearance of Modi with Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a year. There is speculation about potential trilateral talks between India, China, and Russia. China views the summit as an opportunity to display unity among Global South countries, support Russia, and strengthen its international role. India sees the summit as a means to improve relations with China following recent border issues, potentially leading to steps toward restoring trust, reducing tensions, and exploring new areas of collaboration. This conference could symbolize the emergence of a multipolar world order.