SCO Summit in Tianjin Highlights Tensions Between China, India, and Russia
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, in September 2025, brought together member states and observer nations. Notably, China, India, and Russia attended, despite underlying tensions shaping their relationships.
China's admission of Pakistan into the SCO, alongside India, was seen as a strategic move to balance India's influence. The power asymmetry between China and India was evident, with China holding more sway. India, however, is wary of Russia's growing dependence on China, which could undermine its strategic interests. Russia's deepening security ties with North Korea have also raised concerns in Beijing.
The meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin was not about mending ties but about managing their contentious relationship. The summit did little to alleviate existing fault lines between the three nations. Despite this, Russia views India as a crucial partner in Asia, balancing China's influence.
India and Russia have experienced friction due to India's growing proximity with the US and its engagement in the Quad, a security dialogue that includes Australia, India, Japan, and the US. The current Sino-Indian engagement is starting from an incredibly low base, given past clashes and disputes.
The SCO Summit in Tianjin did not bridge the gaps between China, India, and Russia. Instead, it highlighted the complex dynamics at play, with each nation pursuing its strategic interests. Despite challenges, Russia continues to value its partnership with India in the face of China's growing influence.
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