Leaders of Russia, India and China used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin to present a united front, highlighting closer ties and signalling their shared ambition to shape a multipolar global order. The gathering underscored the shifting dynamics of international diplomacy, with warm exchanges and symbolic gestures dominating proceedings.
Red carpet diplomacy
Russian president Vladimir Putin and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi were greeted with full ceremonial honours, including red carpets and staged symbolism emphasising cooperation. Chinese president Xi Jinping called on SCO members to reinforce solidarity and oppose “external pressures”, positioning the bloc as a counterweight to Western alliances.
RIC troika in focus
The so-called Russia–India–China troika emerged as the summit’s visual centrepiece. Modi pulled both Xi and Putin together in a symbolic embrace, a gesture that was widely interpreted as a message of cohesion. Modi described the interactions as enriching, calling for mutual trust and strategic partnership at a time when India faces economic friction with the US over tariffs.
Putin’s message on Ukraine
Putin reiterated that lasting peace in Ukraine required addressing NATO’s eastern expansion, stressing that Western militarisation was destabilising global security. He thanked both China and India for continued diplomatic engagement and maintained that Russia would uphold energy exports to them despite ongoing conflict.
India’s focus on terrorism
Modi used his platform to stress the importance of combating terrorism, urging SCO members to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to extremism and terror financing. His remarks were framed as a call for shared responsibility across the bloc.
Bilateral highlights
Away from the formal sessions, Modi and Putin travelled together for bilateral talks, signalling the strength of their partnership. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin is scheduled to visit India in December 2025, a development likely to cement growing ties further.
Strategic implications
The summit revealed a coordinated effort to project an alternative to Western-led structures. By stressing unity, symbolic friendship, and plans for further high-level visits, the leaders showcased a deepening strategic convergence that could reshape alignments across Eurasia.
REFH – Newshub, 1 September 2025
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