September 1, 2025

Heads of state Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Narendra Modi met with other leaders of Central Asia at the latest Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held in the bustling city of Tianjin, China. This two-day meeting shines a spotlight on trade deals, international security, and the future of the region beyond the shadows of US influence. With Russia's war in Ukraine still raging and China eyeing Taiwan, the world watches closely. Chinese President Xi Jinping set the tone by saying the world faces "accelerated changes unseen in a century." Speaking via the Xinhua news agency, he declared that during these shaky times, the SCO "bears an even greater responsibility for safeguarding regional peace and stability." The SCO currently includes Russia, Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi used this platform to talk trade and ties with President Xi, especially important as US tariffs make waves. Modi said, according to India's foreign ministry, that India and China "pursued strategic autonomy, and their ties should not be seen through the lens of a third country." This is a hint to look beyond outside pressures. The leaders also tackled their thorny Himalayan border dispute, which flared up during deadly clashes in 2020 and put a damper on friendly relations. President Xi urged, "We must... not let the border issue define the overall China-India relationship." He added that China-India relations could become "stable and far-reaching" if both treat each other as partners, not rivals. As colorful moments unfolded, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community in Tianjin, adding a human touch to the high-level discussions. Meanwhile, President Xi and Vladimir Putin talked briefly about Putin's recent contact with former US President Donald Trump. The details of their conversation remain a mystery, but it's clear these global heavyweights are closely watching the chessboard of international relations. The SCO summit in Tianjin may just be the start of more colorful diplomacy among these powerful nations, with a blend of trade, peace talks, and strategic moves signaling what lies ahead in this fast-changing world.

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Tags: Shanghai cooperation organisation, Sco summit, Modi xi jinping, Vladimir putin, India-china relations, International trade,