Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will convene for an online summit hosted by India on Tuesday. The virtual event aims to expand the influence of the Eurasian group by welcoming Iran as a member and paving the way for Belarus to join in the future. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will both be participating in the summit, marking Putin’s first appearance at an international event since successfully suppressing a mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group in June.
The SCO, established in 2001 by China and Russia, consists of member states from former Soviet central Asia, with India and Pakistan joining later. The eight-member organization functions as a political and security group, seeking to counter Western influence in the Eurasian region. The inclusion of Iran as a member and the future membership of Belarus will extend the SCO’s reach in both Europe and Asia, strengthening its presence on the western flank.
The summit comes just two weeks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US and the subsequent declaration of India and the US as among the closest partners in the world. Amidst tensions between Western nations and the Russia-China partnership, Modi’s India has exerted diplomatic finesse to maintain relationships with all parties involved. In a call with Putin last week, Modi emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the war in Ukraine.
The upcoming summit will also feature Xi and Modi sharing a virtual stage for the first time since November 2020. The relationship between India and China has been strained for over three years due to an ongoing standoff on their Himalayan border. Additionally, the summit will provide an opportunity for Modi to interact online with his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif, marking their first meeting since attending the SCO summit in Uzbekistan ten months ago.
The SCO members are expected to discuss a range of topics during the summit, including Afghanistan, terrorism, regional security, climate change, and digital inclusion. The foreign ministers of SCO member nations gathered in India in May, where tensions between India and Pakistan escalated over issues such as Kashmir, terrorism, and bilateral relations.
India, as the current president of SCO and the G20, has strategically navigated the geopolitical landscape, balancing relationships with various powers. Despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s assertive presence on the global stage, India has refrained from blaming Russia for the war and has even increased its bilateral trade, including record-high purchases of Russian oil, much to the discontent of Western capitals.
In September, both Putin and Xi are expected to visit New Delhi as India hosts the G20 summit, where leaders from member nations, including US President Joe Biden, are likely to be in attendance. The virtual summit on Tuesday will set the stage for these upcoming meetings and discussions, allowing for dialogue and cooperation between countries that are key players in shaping global affairs.
The SCO summit hosted by India demonstrates the country’s diplomatic prowess and its success in balancing relationships on the international stage. As the world continues to navigate geopolitical challenges, India’s role as a bridge between East and West becomes increasingly significant.
