The Ajit Doval China visit signals a turning point in India-China relations ahead of SCO Summit 2025. Explore PM Modi’s SCO decision, the India-Russia 2030 roadmap, and China’s deepening defense ties with Pakistan.
🕵️ Ajit Doval China Visit: A Strategic Diplomatic Message
India’s NSA, Ajit Doval, made a high-profile trip to Beijing in June 2025, drawing major attention to India-China relations 2025. During this visit, he engaged with top Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in advance of the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin.
The Ajit Doval China visit is seen as part of a broader Indian strategy to reaffirm territorial and counterterrorism priorities ahead of any major multilateral engagement, particularly in forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
🇮🇳 India Sends a Clear Message on Terrorism
🔍 Ajit Doval on terrorism, China Pakistan defense ties
At the center of the visit was Ajit Doval’s bold call for China to end double standards on terrorism. He emphasized that SCO nations—including Pakistan—must stop sheltering and supporting terror networks.
This aligns with India’s consistent position in global forums and reflects Doval’s direct warning that China-Pakistan defense ties, particularly in the realm of missile and drone technologies, are unacceptable to India.
The warning was reinforced by India’s concerns about China supplying PL-15 missiles and potentially fifth-generation fighter jets to Pakistan—technologies regularly aimed at undermining Indian security.
🐲 Behind China’s Rhetoric: Realpolitik Over Peace
Despite talks of peace and friendship, the on-ground India-China border standoff remains unresolved. While China publicly promotes “win-win outcomes” through slogans like “when the dragon and the elephant dance,” it continues to strengthen Pakistan’s military capabilities.
Doval’s message during the Ajit Doval China visit was clear: symbolic gestures mean little without real de-escalation on the border and cooperation on security threats.
🧭 SCO Summit 2025: Will PM Modi Participate?
🔍 PM Modi SCO attendance, SCO India participation
As China prepares to host the SCO Summit 2025, questions swirl around whether PM Modi will attend. In 2024, Modi skipped the SCO meet in Islamabad and sent Dr. S. Jaishankar, who famously landed at the Noor Khan Airbase, once targeted by India in Operation Sindoor.
A Modi appearance in Tianjin this year would place him in the same room as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Shehbaz Sharif, making it a high-stakes decision.
India’s participation in SCO is increasingly complicated by the bloc’s limited cohesion and Pakistan’s continued presence, which many experts argue dilutes the SCO’s credibility.
🇷🇺 Russia’s Strategic Push: The RIC Alliance
🔍 RIC Russia India China strategy, Russia-India 2030 cooperation, Putin visit India 2025
As India navigates its SCO dilemma, Russia is reviving the RIC (Russia-India-China) strategy, encouraging trilateral engagement to counterbalance Western influence.
President Putin has announced a long-term India-Russia cooperation roadmap till 2030, emphasizing sectors like:
- Oil & energy
- Manufacturing
- Defense production
- Space technology
During the Ajit Doval China visit, Doval also met with Russia’s NSA, and reports suggest Putin may visit India in 2025 to finalize the roadmap.
🛤️ Kailash Mansarovar Talks: Cultural Cooperation Resumes
🔍 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra talks
One major development during the visit was the decision to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a longstanding pilgrimage disrupted due to COVID and the border standoff. This cultural engagement may help humanize India-China relations 2025, although India remains cautious.
⚖️ SCO vs BRICS: Which Bloc Serves India’s Strategic Goals?
🔍 BRICS vs SCO comparison
As India evaluates multilateral platforms, a clear contrast emerges between SCO and BRICS:
- SCO includes Pakistan and offers limited cooperation on terrorism.
- BRICS, on the other hand, excludes Pakistan and gives India veto power, especially over new members.
For many policymakers and analysts, BRICS offers a more credible alternative, with stronger economic and strategic potential. India’s ability to block Pakistan’s entry remains a major advantage.
🗣️ Should PM Modi Attend SCO 2025?
Given the evolving geopolitical environment, we want to hear your views:
🤔 Should Prime Minister Modi attend the SCO Summit 2025 in China?
Is it worth the risk of being on the same stage as China and Pakistan, or should India maintain its strategic distance?
🧭 Summary Table: Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Ajit Doval China visit | Firm stance on terrorism and border security in Beijing |
| India-China relations 2025 | Diplomatic thaw but deep strategic mistrust remains |
| SCO Summit 2025 | India undecided on Modi’s participation |
| Russia-India 2030 roadmap | Boosting energy, defense, and manufacturing ties |
| RIC Strategy | Russia aims to mediate India-China tensions |
| BRICS vs SCO | BRICS offers India more credibility and control |
📚 References & Sources
- The Hindu – Doval’s Beijing Visit
- TASS – Russia-India 2030 Roadmap
- MEA India – SCO Engagement
- South China Morning Post – SCO Reactions
Thank you for reading Geoinflux. Stay engaged, stay informed—and may the gods watch over you.
