PM Modi to Address SCO Summit Plenary on Day 2 in China

Quick Summary

• PM modi at SCO Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council summit in Tianjin, China, and is scheduled to address the plenary session.
• India-China Relations: During a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, PM Modi emphasized peace and tranquillity on the border as essential for better bilateral relations. Both leaders agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights, visa facilitation, and cultural exchanges like the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar yatra.
• Terrorism Discussion: PM Modi told president Xi that India and China are “victims” of terrorism and urged collaboration to combat cross-border terrorism. this reflects a potential shift in India’s recent stance on counter-terrorism diplomacy.
• Russia Meeting: Following the SCO plenary session, PM Modi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for a bilateral discussion.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Prime Minister Modi’s engagements at the SCO Summit signal multi-dimensional diplomatic efforts addressing regional stability, economic cooperation, and security challenges. His dialog with President Xi Jinping highlights an attempt to ease tensions while emphasizing cooperation against terrorism-a critical issue affecting both nations. The mutual interest in enhancing travel networks may foster improved ties but is contingent upon resolving longstanding boundary disputes.

Additionally, discussions with Russian President Putin could reinforce India’s balancing act amidst shifting global alignments considering Russia’s role within multilateral forums like SCO. These meetings underline India’s active stance in shaping regional dynamics while prioritizing its strategic interests.

Read more here: The Hindu