Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host more than 20 world leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, in what analysts describe as a symbolic display of Global South solidarity.

The meeting will mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to China in over seven years, a significant step as India and China continue efforts to ease tensions following the deadly border clashes of 2020. Russian President Vladimir Putin, under Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, will also attend, reinforcing the bloc’s narrative of counterbalancing Western influence.

Modi, Xi, and Putin on Same Stage

This is the second consecutive year that Modi, Xi, and Putin will share the stage, after last year’s BRICS summit in Kazan. Officials in Moscow have hinted at possible trilateral talks between the three nations, highlighting the strategic weight of the gathering.

Analysts say Xi hopes to use the summit to project a “post-American-led order,” at a time when US policy under President Donald Trump has unsettled global partners. The SCO, founded in 2001, has expanded from six members to 10 permanent states, with 16 dialogue and observer partners. Its remit has grown from security and counterterrorism to economic and defense cooperation.

India-China Reset in Focus

Despite frictions within the bloc — including India’s disputes with Pakistan and its refusal to join past SCO statements — expectations are rising for a constructive Modi-Xi meeting. Experts suggest incremental agreements could be announced, such as troop withdrawals along the disputed border, easing of trade and visa restrictions, and new cooperation on climate and infrastructure.

“With renewed tariff pressure from Washington and recent detente with Beijing, New Delhi is likely to prioritise momentum in its engagement with China,” said Eric Olander of the China-Global South Project.

Optics Over Outcomes

Observers caution that while the SCO’s practical achievements remain limited, its symbolic value is high. “This summit is about optics — really powerful optics,” Olander noted, pointing to the bloc’s growing convening power among Global South nations.

Following the summit, Modi is expected to depart China, while Putin will remain in Beijing for a World War II military parade, underscoring Russia’s continued outreach in Asia.

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