At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, a significant observation was the interaction between world leaders, particularly the strong rapport between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was in stark contrast to the position of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who appeared to be excluded from these interactions. During a period when PM Modi and Putin were engaged in discussion, they seemed to ignore Sharif. The summit provided insights into the shifting dynamics of international relations and the priorities of key players in the region.
Before a bilateral meeting between Putin and Modi, the leaders greeted each other warmly, setting the stage for a family photograph with SCO members. This was followed by a brief conversation between Modi, Putin, and Jinping, indicating a degree of unity and coordination.
Prior to the summit, details about the agenda were revealed, including PM Modi’s address at the plenary session, where he would discuss India’s perspective on regional cooperation within the SCO. A bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin was also scheduled after this.
During the SCO summit, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting. They reiterated their commitment to fostering a stable relationship and cooperation, emphasizing mutual respect and sensitivity. The leaders confirmed that both countries are development partners rather than rivals, aiming for a multipolar Asia.