The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit’s 25th iteration began with a banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin were in attendance. The event took place in the Chinese port city of Tianjin.
The summit is a significant gathering for the 10-member organization, with China inviting 20 foreign leaders and heads of 10 international organizations, including the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The main summit will occur in a designated conference center, with addresses from leaders of the 10-member group and other invited dignitaries.
PM Modi’s address is highly anticipated, especially following his meeting with Xi Jinping and in light of new tariffs imposed by the US. The discussions are expected to establish a new framework for bilateral relations, with a joint statement planned. In addition to the summit proceedings, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with Putin.
During the banquet, Jinping stated the SCO has a significant role in safeguarding regional peace and stability and promoting the development of various nations in a turbulent world.
He expressed confidence in the success of the summit, highlighting the SCO’s growing role in fostering cooperation among member states, unifying the Global South, and advancing global progress. The term ‘Global South’ references economically disadvantaged countries.
India views border peace and harmony as vital for India-China relations, which PM Modi conveyed to President Xi Jinping. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra noted PM Modi engaged in extensive talks with President Jinping, focusing on bilateral relations.
Addressing Jinping’s remarks that the border issue shouldn’t define overall relations, Kwatra highlighted India’s consistent stance on the importance of border peace for overall relationship progress. He emphasized the impact the border situation inevitably has on bilateral ties.
He added that maintaining peace and harmony on the border is essential for the bilateral relationship. During discussions between Modi and Jinping, the leaders addressed the border situation, acknowledged troop withdrawals, and the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and harmony.
PM Modi stressed the need for peace in border regions for sustained bilateral development, emphasizing using existing mechanisms to prevent disruptions in the future.