At the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin, Prime Minister Modi met Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, signalling a reset in India-China relations, a deeper India-Russia-China partnership, and new trade corridors amid US tariffs.

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Modi-Xi-Putin Meet Signals a New Chapter at SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin

Introduction

The SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin has become a focal point in global geopolitics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin marks the first high-level trilateral interaction since the 2020 Galwan border clash, drawing attention to shifting trade alliances, border stability, India-China relations and the future of the multipolar world order.

Background & Context of SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin

Relations between India and China have been strained since the LAC standoff in 2020. For nearly five years, Modi and Xi avoided bilateral talks, while Moscow acted as a quiet stabiliser between the two Asian giants.

Meanwhile, U.S. economic pressure, particularly through new tariffs on Indian exports, has nudged New Delhi to rethink its reliance on Western trade routes. Against this backdrop, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has emerged as a key diplomatic platform to reset ties and push forward Eurasian cooperation.

FAQ 1: Why haven’t Modi and Xi met since Galwan?
The 2020 Galwan border clash froze diplomatic engagement at the highest levels. For India, domestic sentiment made dialogue with Beijing politically sensitive, while China was cautious about escalating tensions further. This SCO Summit marks the first meaningful reset after years of disengagement.

Key Developments From the Summit

Modi and Xi Jinping agreed on steps to restore border stability at the LAC, including appointing special representatives for direct communication to prevent another Galwan-like incident.
Both sides announced the launch of new direct flights between India and China to improve people-to-people ties.
Russia highlighted the importance of Eurasian trade and energy security, reinforcing its role as a bridge between New Delhi and Beijing.
As a goodwill gesture, China confirmed the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, suspended since 2020.

FAQ 2: What does reopening the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage mean for India-China relations?
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is more than symbolic. It demonstrates Beijing’s intent to restore cultural and religious exchanges with India, signalling that border disputes will not be allowed to dominate the entire relationship. For India, it is also a way to showcase tangible gains from diplomacy.

FAQ 3: Why is Russia important at this summit?
Russia continues to play the role of a balancing actor. By engaging with both New Delhi and Beijing, Moscow keeps the RIC troika relevant. Its push for Eurasian energy corridors and de-dollarisation ensures that India and China are not isolated from each other despite border frictions.

Geopolitical Implications

The trilateral interactions suggest a revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) format, with broader implications:

US tariffs on India are accelerating New Delhi’s outreach to Beijing and Moscow for trade and energy partnerships.
De-dollarisation trends and new Eurasian trade corridors are gaining traction, positioning the three powers as central actors in the multipolar world order.
Energy diplomacy remains a common thread, with Moscow leveraging oil and gas trade to maintain influence.
For India, the challenge is to deepen engagement without overcommitting on security cooperation with China.

FAQ 4: How are US tariffs affecting India’s foreign policy?
The new US tariffs on Indian exports are prompting New Delhi to reassess its reliance on Western trade markets. This pressure has made Eurasian connectivity and closer cooperation with Russia and China more attractive as India seeks to diversify its economic options.

FAQ 5: What does this summit mean for the multipolar world order?
The SCO Summit 2025 signals a clear global power shift. By engaging in joint dialogue, India, China, and Russia highlight that the West no longer dominates decision-making in global affairs, and Asia is emerging as the core of the multipolar system.

Bilateral Focus and Regional Security

While speculation about a formal RIC trialogue persists, New Delhi is prioritising bilateral dialogues within the SCO and BRICS frameworks.

Border normalisation has re-emerged as a priority, with both India and China emphasising mechanisms to prevent escalation.
On the economic front, the three countries are pushing to fast-track foreign direct investment, streamline visas, and ease trade regulations.
Regional security conversations also touched on terrorism, cyber threats, and energy chokepoints, signalling areas of cautious cooperation.

FAQ 6: How is the SCO Summit 2025 linked to regional security in Asia?
The SCO provides a platform for Asian powers to discuss terrorism, border stability, and cyber defence. Unlike NATO or U.S.-led alliances, it allows India, China, and Russia to coordinate on security issues without committing to rigid military blocs.

FAQ 7: Will this summit lead to a formal India-China reset?
While symbolic gestures like flights and pilgrimages show progress, deep mistrust remains. A full reset will depend on continued military disengagement at the LAC and consistent diplomatic engagement. The summit is an important step, but not a resolution.

Recap

When did Modi and Xi last meet before Tianjin? → June 2020, just before the Galwan border clash.
What new step was taken for border stability? → Appointment of special representatives for direct communication.
What role did Russia play? → Promoted Eurasian trade and energy security, acting as a mediator.
What cultural step was agreed upon? → Reopening the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
Why is this summit globally significant? → It reflects a global power shift towards Asia and the multipolar world order.

Conclusion & Outlook

The Tianjin Summit coverage reveals a delicate but potentially transformative shift in Asian geopolitics. With the RIC troika finding renewed space in global affairs, India is exploring ways to balance China’s engagement with its strategic autonomy. The revival of border talks, resumed religious pilgrimages, and Eurasian trade discussions indicate that 2025 could be the year Asia consolidates its influence in the global order.

As these developments unfold, the next decade of geopolitics in Asia may well hinge on how New Delhi manages its ties with both Beijing and Moscow while navigating pressures from Washington.

FAQ

FAQ 8: How does this summit impact BRICS and SCO cooperation?
The summit strengthens India’s dual role in SCO and BRICS, giving it greater flexibility to shape multilateral agendas on trade, technology, and climate change while building bridges with China and Russia.

FAQ 9: What are the economic opportunities from this summit?
India, China, and Russia are considering steps to fast-track FDI approvals, relax visa restrictions, and boost digital trade. For businesses, this opens new Eurasian markets at a time when Western economies are slowing.

FAQ 10: Could this summit reduce the risk of border clashes?
If implemented, the appointment of border envoys and direct communication channels could significantly reduce the risk of miscalculation along the LAC, ensuring that incidents like Galwan do not recur.

References

AP News – “China’s Xi and Modi vow to resolve border differences at a meeting in Tianjin.” Highlights renewed border de-escalation efforts between India and China at the SCO Summit. (AP News)
Times of India – “Rebuilding India-China ties: PM Modi, Xi Jinping meet on sidelines of SCO Summit—see pics.” Covers the meeting, discussions on flights, the pilgrimage, and warming ties amidst U.S. tariff tensions. (The Times of India)
Reuters – “India committed to improving ties with China, Modi tells Xi.” Presents Modi’s quote on mutual trust and discusses SCO’s growing responsibilities. (Reuters)
Al Jazeera – “China’s Xi says SCO bears ‘greater responsibility’ for keeping peace.” Emphasizes SCO’s role as a stabilizing regional platform. (Al Jazeera)
Economist Times – “PM Modi-Xi Jinping meet: From trade to rare earths, big issues on the table.” Explores strategic economic topics such as trade and rare earths discussed between the leaders. (The Economic Times)
The Guardian – “Putin, Modi and Erdoğan among leaders in China for talks with Xi.” Notes the high-profile attendance and purpose of challenging Western-led blocs. (The Guardian)
Wikipedia – “2025 Tianjin SCO summit.” Provides logistical details, such as dates, venue, chairmanship, and participating countries. (Wikipedia)