Modi, Putin to Join SCO Summit in Tianjin Confirms China
The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit will take place in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025. The summit will be chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping and will be the fifth time China has hosted the event.
Leaders Expected to Attend
More than 20 world leaders are set to participate in the meeting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the key attendees. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will also be present, adding global weight to the gathering.
India-China Engagement
Ahead of the summit, India and China have introduced a series of confidence-building measures to reduce tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Agreements include expanded flight connectivity, smoother religious pilgrimages, and cooperation on the management of shared rivers. These steps are viewed as attempts to stabilize ties ahead of the high-level multilateral discussions.
Agenda and Outcomes
The summit will focus on strengthening regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and promoting economic collaboration among member states. Leaders are also expected to emphasize renewable energy initiatives, digital economy opportunities, and connectivity projects across the region. A “Tianjin Declaration” is likely to be issued at the conclusion of the summit, outlining the collective commitments of participating nations.
Global Context
The SCO meeting comes at a time when shifting U.S. trade and foreign policies are influencing new alignments in Asia and Eurasia. For India, the summit provides an opportunity to balance relations with China and Russia while maintaining broader engagement with Western partners.
