World Leaders Convene in Tianjin for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit commenced in Tianjin, China, bringing together leaders from over 20 nations to discuss regional cooperation and global economic stability. Chinese President Xi Jinping is hosting the event, which includes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin among the attendees.

This marks Prime Minister Modi's first visit to China since 2018, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the two countries following the 2020 border clashes. In a recent interview, Modi emphasized the importance of India and China working together to bring stability to the world economic order.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with both Xi and Putin. Discussions with Xi are anticipated to focus on trade, investment, connectivity, and border issues, while talks with Putin may address the impact of recent U.S. tariffs and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The SCO, comprising China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, aims to strengthen regional cooperation and address shared security concerns. The summit is expected to culminate in the signing of symbolic documents and will be followed by a major military parade in Beijing marking 80 years since the end of World War II.