Strategic balancing: Modi’s key diplomacy at SCO Summit | Fusion - WeRIndia

At a time of shifting global alliances, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant appearance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, on Sunday.

The SCO, led by China, focuses on regional security, economic collaboration, and political dialogue.

Modi’s visit included high-level meetings with global leaders. He met Chinese President Xi Jinping amid efforts to stabilise ties after the 2020 border clashes.

Modi stated that relations with China have progressed in a positive direction and noted that border tensions have reduced after disengagement.

President Xi welcomed Modi’s remarks and expressed hope that the summit would help advance stable and healthy development in bilateral relations.

This was their first in-person meeting since relations soured over the deadly Galwan Valley conflict.

The Prime Minister also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their meeting comes as US President Donald Trump increases pressure on India over its crude oil imports from Russia.

In response, the US slapped 50% tariffs on Indian goods in August, the highest in Asia. Washington aims to penalise New Delhi for continuing energy deals with Moscow.

Despite US pressure, India is firm on maintaining its energy interests. Modi’s meeting with Putin signals that India values strategic autonomy in foreign policy.

On the sidelines, Modi also met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to development cooperation with the Indian Ocean neighbour. Modi noted that such cooperation benefits both nations’ people.

The Tianjin summit came at a critical juncture. India’s diplomacy reflects a careful balancing act between major global powers.

By engaging with both China and Russia while countering US pressure, India is asserting its independent foreign policy.

Modi’s SCO presence highlights India’s role in regional stability. Through active dialogue and strategic engagement, India is reinforcing its position in Asia’s evolving power dynamics.

At the summit, India focused on partnerships that align with its long-term goals, energy security, peaceful borders, and regional influence worth crores of rupees.

Image Credit: Yiftaa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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