The city of Tianjin, China is hosting the landmark Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31 – September 1, 2025. The gathering has attracted over 20 world leaders, making it one of the most important global political events of the year.
Who is Attending the SCO Summit?
Among the major leaders present at the summit are:
- Chinese President Xi Jinping
- Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
- Other heads of state from Asia, the Middle East and Eurasia
The large attendance shows the SCO’s rising influence in the Global South as an alternative platform to Western-led alliances.
Modi’s First Visit to China in Seven Years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making his first trip to China in over seven years. He met with President Xi Jinping and discussed ways to improve India-China relations, with a focus on mutual trust, fair trade, border peace, and regional stability.
Recent steps, such as the resumption of direct flights and easier visas, signal a willingness from both countries to rebuild ties.
Putin’s Extended Stay in China
President Vladimir Putin is not only attending the SCO Summit but will also remain in China to take part in a massive military parade in Beijing. The parade marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Putin’s presence underlines the strengthening partnership between Russia and China.
Why is the SCO Summit Important?
While the summit may not produce dramatic policy changes, its real importance lies in diplomatic symbolism. It highlights cooperation among non-Western powers, boosts the narrative of the Global South, and signals to the world that countries like China, Russia, India, and Turkey are ready to shape a new multipolar order.
Other Global Reactions
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged PM Modi to send a “right message” to Russia, showing how the SCO gathering is being closely watched worldwide. Meanwhile, Moscow confirmed that Putin will also discuss his upcoming visit to India in December.
Conclusion
The SCO Summit 2025 in China is more than just a meeting—it is a showcase of global diplomacy. With leaders like Modi and Putin joining Xi on one stage, the summit demonstrates how Asia and the Global South are becoming increasingly central in world politics.
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