Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 31, 2025, aiming to recalibrate diplomatic relations in response to tensions with the United States following tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
India-Russia Cooperation Highlighted at Bilateral Meeting
In the bilateral meeting, PM Modi and President Putin emphasized the close cooperation between India and Russia as vital for global peace and security. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that India and Russia have progressed together in the critical circumstances. Putin claims that Russia enjoys very good and principled relations with India.
Modi has also invited President Putin for a visit to India later this year, with 140 crore Indians eagerly awaiting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, expressed the hope that Russia and Ukraine will soon move towards a ceasefire and a long-term peace.
Read more: Pakistan Seeks Peaceful Dialogue with Neighbors, PM Tells SCO Leaders
Modi and Xi Pledge Partnership Over Rivalry
Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to be partners and not rivals anymore, they discussed border issues, resuming direct flights and enhancing trade. Xi also called for China and India to enable each other’s success and compared the countries to the dragon and elephant dancing together.
US Tariffs Push India Toward Independent Foreign Policy
Analysts noted that easing border tensions has opened new avenues for cooperation through strategic rivalry and mutual suspicions. The Trump administration has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exports, citing India’s purchases of Russian oil despite warnings. These tariffs threaten India’s economic growth and have accelerated Modi’s efforts to diversify trade and strengthen ties with Russia, China, and Japan. The analysts, however, argue that India is now pursuing an independent foreign policy in the time of crisis, with its strained relations with the United States, exploring partnerships beyond the reliance on the US. To analysts, the SCO summit optics signal a post-American order and potential reconfiguration of global alliances.
Before heading to China, PM Modi visited Japan and secured 10 trillion yuan in investments from Japan, covering semiconductors, critical minerals, AI, clean energy, and space initiatives. In the wake of the new geopolitical settlement, India is now looking forward to strengthening its ties with Russia and China, who are seen as a counterbalance to US pressure and a signal of diplomatic assertiveness. The summit has highlighted India’s strategy to safeguard its economic and energy security amid external pressures from India.