SCO Summit 2025 Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, on August 31 and September 1, 2025, marking his first visit to China in seven years. The SCO, a regional group focused on political, economic, and security cooperation, hosted leaders from over 20 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The summit, held at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center, gained significance amid global trade tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, aimed at penalizing India for its continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
Bilateral Meetings and Diplomacy: SCO SUMMIT 2025
On the sidelines of the SCO Summit 2025, PM Modi held crucial bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leaders reviewed the positive momentum in India-China relations since their last meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. Modi emphasized that peace and tranquility along the border are vital for advancing bilateral ties, noting, “There is a peaceful environment at the borders after disengagement.” This follows the resolution of a four-year border standoff in eastern Ladakh, which had strained ties since deadly clashes in 2020. Xi Jinping expressed optimism, stating that the Tianjin meeting would “promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of bilateral relations,” as reported by CCTV. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity, aiming to prevent differences from escalating into disputes.
PM Modi also met Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he shared a car ride to their bilateral meeting venue, highlighting their close ties. Modi described their discussions as “insightful,” focusing on regional stability and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He reiterated India’s support for peace efforts, stating, “India and Russia have stood shoulder to shoulder even in difficult times.” The SCO Summit 2025 also saw Modi engaging with leaders like Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, where he underscored India’s developmental cooperation benefiting both nations, and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, emphasizing cultural and trade linkages.
The SCO Summit 2025 condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, with Modi urging member states to reject double standards in combating terrorism. The Tianjin Declaration, signed by all members, emphasized bringing perpetrators to justice and fostering regional security. Chinese President Xi Jinping criticized “bullying behavior” in global affairs, advocating for fairness and opposing Cold War mentalities. He pledged 2 billion yuan in grants to SCO members and 10 billion yuan in loans to the SCO Interbank Consortium over the next three years.
Amid U.S. tariffs, the SCO Summit 2025 served as a platform for India to assert its strategic autonomy, balancing relations with China and Russia while navigating global trade challenges. Modi invited Xi Jinping to the 2026 BRICS Summit in India, with Xi offering China’s full support. The summit underscored India’s commitment to regional cooperation and global stability, with Modi stating, “Stable India-China ties contribute significantly to global peace and prosperity.” As the SCO Summit 2025 concluded, it highlighted a reset in India-China relations and reinforced the organization’s role in addressing regional and global issues.
