Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation that the grouping must speak with one voice against terrorism and that conflicts cannot be settled on the battlefield. Addressing the 26th SCO summit in Bishkek, as the organisation marked 25 years since its founding, Indian PM set out India’s approach around three pillars: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.&nbsp;On security, he said the fight against terrorism required more than statements. “We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, its financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.” He added that member states could not apply different rules to different groups. “We must speak with one voice that there can be no place for double standards on terrorism.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/from-endless-war-to-end-of-war-pm-modi-s-mantra-at-sco-wion-live-from-sco-summit-bishkek-1788187786083">From endless war to end of war: PM Modi's mantra at SCO | WION LIVE from SCO summit, Bishkek</a>&nbsp;The comments, made in presence of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, come as Delhi has has expressed its concern over Islamabad's support to cross border terrorism into India. The Indian leader linked the security agenda to the wider international climate of armed conflict, from Europe to West Asia. “There is no solution on the battlefield; all wars and conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said. During PM Modi's bilaterals with Iran, Russian leaders, dialogue &amp; diplomacy was the big focus.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/sco-summit-2026-begins-in-bishkek-as-leaders-meet-amid-west-asia-conflict-and-ukraine-war-1788240038494">SCO Summit 2026 begins in Bishkek as leaders meet amid West Asia conflict and Ukraine war</a>&nbsp;Turning to connectivity, Modi said India backed practical projects that expand commerce. “India supports all efforts that connect markets, facilitate trade, and open new pathways for development.” He immediately attached a condition: “These efforts for connectivity must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries", in a clear message to China Pakistan Economic Corridor that goes through Pakistan occupied Jammu &amp; Kashmir. The Indian leader also described the SCO in civilisational terms. “For India, the SCO is a confluence of great civilizations, cultures, and ideas.” He argued that the next quarter-century should put ordinary people at the heart of the organisation’s work. “The SCO should place people-to-people ties at the center of our cooperation for the next twenty-five years.”&nbsp;He pointed to initiatives India has already launched inside the grouping: the Start-up Forum, the Young Authors’ Conclave and the Young Scientists’ Forum. Last year New Delhi proposed an SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum. “I am pleased that its first session will be held in India this year,” Modi said.&nbsp;The two-day gathering in the Kyrgyz capital brought together the leaders of the SCO’s ten member states, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and several Central Asian republics, along with dialogue partners. The summit is taking place against a backdrop of wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, strained energy routes and renewed debate over Eurasian transport corridors. India has been a full member since 2017 and has consistently used the forum to press for consensus on counter-terrorism while promoting trade and people-to-people links.

PM Modi urged SCO nations to speak with one voice against terrorism, calling for an end to double standards and the dismantling of terror networks. At the Bishkek summit, he also backed dialogue to resolve conflicts and stressed connectivity that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation that the grouping must speak with one voice against terrorism and that conflicts cannot be settled on the battlefield. Addressing the 26th SCO summit in Bishkek, as the organisation marked 25 years since its founding, Indian PM set out India’s approach around three pillars: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. On security, he said the fight against terrorism required more than statements. “We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, its financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.” He added that member states could not apply different rules to different groups. “We must speak with one voice that there can be no place for double standards on terrorism.” Also Read: From endless war to end of war: PM Modi's mantra at SCO | WION LIVE from SCO summit, Bishkek The comments, made in presence of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, come as Delhi has has expressed its concern over Islamabad's support to cross border terrorism into India. The Indian leader linked the security agenda to the wider international climate of armed conflict, from Europe to West Asia. “There is no solution on the battlefield; all wars and conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said. During PM Modi's bilaterals with Iran, Russian leaders, dialogue & diplomacy was the big focus. Also Read: SCO Summit 2026 begins in Bishkek as leaders meet amid West Asia conflict and Ukraine war Turning to connectivity, Modi said India backed practical projects that expand commerce. “India supports all efforts that connect markets, facilitate trade, and open new pathways for development.” He immediately attached a condition: “These efforts for connectivity must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries", in a clear message to China Pakistan Economic Corridor that goes through Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir. The Indian leader also described the SCO in civilisational terms. “For India, the SCO is a confluence of great civilizations, cultures, and ideas.” He argued that the next quarter-century should put ordinary people at the heart of the organisation’s work. “The SCO should place people-to-people ties at the center of our cooperation for the next twenty-five years.” He pointed to initiatives India has already launched inside the grouping: the Start-up Forum, the Young Authors’ Conclave and the Young Scientists’ Forum. Last year New Delhi proposed an SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum. “I am pleased that its first session will be held in India this year,” Modi said. The two-day gathering in the Kyrgyz capital brought together the leaders of the SCO’s ten member states, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and several Central Asian republics, along with dialogue partners. The summit is taking place against a backdrop of wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, strained energy routes and renewed debate over Eurasian transport corridors. India has been a full member since 2017 and has consistently used the forum to press for consensus on counter-terrorism while promoting trade and people-to-people links.

PM Modi urged SCO nations to speak with one voice against terrorism, calling for an end to double standards and the dismantling of terror networks. At the Bishkek summit, he also backed dialogue to resolve conflicts&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi tells SCO: Dismantle terrorism’s ‘entire ecosystem’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Aug 31) met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. In a post on X after the meeting, PM Modi said that he reiterated India's “commitment to strengthening long standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors.” We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come, he added. He also said that both sides had a discussion on the prevailing situation in West Asia. “India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace,” he said.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pm-modi-participates-in-yoga-session-during-visit-to-uzbekistan-1788072955004">WATCH | PM Modi participates in yoga session during visit to Uzbekistan</a>&nbsp;There has been no statement on meeting with PM Modi from the Iranian side. Prior to his departure for Bishkek, the Iranian President had said that Iran does not seek war, but will respond with strength and determination to any aggression. "This meeting is very important and most of the leaders of the region will be present in it. In a situation where some international institutions are seeking to create a unified space in the world, this meeting is considered a symbol of the existence of diverse and independent voices in the global arena," he had said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stronger-india-uzbekistan-will-be-powerful-force-of-peace-pm-modi-1788094325429">Stronger India-Uzbekistan will be powerful force of peace: PM Modi</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. (Source: ANI/DD News) <a href="https://t.co/BEDua6jPKE">pic.twitter.com/BEDua6jPKE</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2094349567898894472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What's PM Modi's schedule in SCO Summit today?</h2>Earlier today, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan. The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various areas, including defence, economic, pharma, science and technology, culture and education. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia. PM Modi reiterated that India looked forward to working closely with Armenia to further deepen and expand bilateral ties. Later in the day, PM Modi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and attend the official opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Former Union Minister and Senior Indian journalist MJ Akbar said, "PM Modi's meeting with the Iranian president acquires a very special chemistry in the context of the recent Mecca Pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. The Americans certainly believe that the pact is a replacement for the American umbrella against Iran. But in the longer analysis, India and Iran are civilisational nations with a deep sense of identity, nations with a deep sense of confidence who believe that bilateral bonds are far more effective than multilateral fluff. The details of the conversation between the two are yet to be known but I can give you some clues of how Iran views India and Pakistan, as one very senior Iranian diplomat told me. He said the difference between India and Pakistan is this - when India disagrees with Iran, we in Tehran know it is because India's national interest differs with Iran which is perfectly understandable. But when Pakistan disagrees with Iran, it is because it is doing so under American instructions. They believe, and there is a lot of evidence for that, that Pakistan is a dependent state and India is an independent country."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On PM Narendra Modi&#39;s bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, former Mos MEA M.J. Akbar says, &quot;PM Modi&#39;s meeting with the Iranian President acquires a very special chemistry in the context of the recent Mecca Pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey… <a href="https://t.co/CbmacW3kic">pic.twitter.com/CbmacW3kic</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2094375888062468166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek. Modi also held talks with Armenia’s Nikol Pashinyan on bilateral ties and regional issues, including West Asia, and is expected to meet Vladimir Putin later.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Aug 31) met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. In a post on X after the meeting, PM Modi said that he reiterated India's “commitment to strengthening long standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors.” We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come, he added. He also said that both sides had a discussion on the prevailing situation in West Asia. “India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek. Modi also held talks with Armenia’s Nikol Pashinyan on bilateral ties and regional issues, including West Asia, and is expected to meet Vladimir Putin later.

PM Modi meets Iranian President Pezeshkian on sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek

The annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State summit is all set to be held in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek from August 31 to September 1, which marks the group's 25th anniversary. Among the leaders to attend the summit are Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to take part in the meeting amid war with US and growing economic pressure.&nbsp;Pakistan and India will be attending the same summit more than a year after their brief conflict in May 2025.&nbsp;Indian PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with the Russian President on the margins of the upcoming SCO summit, said the government while announcing Modi’s two-nation central Asia tour to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan beginning Saturday.&nbsp;A meeting is scheduled between both the leaders of India and Russia on the sidelines of the summit," said Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs of India.&nbsp;"Both sides are expected to review the entire gamut of bilateral relationship during the meeting between the leaders on the sidelines of the SCO in Bishkek," he said further.&nbsp;The Russian President is also expected to meet China's Xi Jinping and Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian, according to various media reports.&nbsp;<h2>What is SCO?</h2>&nbsp;SCO or Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Heads of State summit was established in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to ease military tensions and address border disputes after the Soviet Union broke into several small countries.&nbsp;Uzbekistan joined when the SCO was formally established in 2001, while &nbsp;India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.&nbsp;The 10-member bloc, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus represents about 3.4 billion people and roughly a quarter of global GDP. &nbsp;

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to take part in the meeting amid war with US and growing economic pressure.

The annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State summit is all set to be held in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek from August 31 to September 1, which marks the group's 25th anniversary. Among the leaders to attend the summit are Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to take part in the meeting amid war with US and growing economic pressure. Pakistan and India will be attending the same summit more than a year after their brief conflict in May 2025. Indian PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with the Russian President on the margins of the upcoming SCO summit, said the government while announcing Modi’s two-nation central Asia tour to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan beginning Saturday. A meeting is scheduled between both the leaders of India and Russia on the sidelines of the summit," said Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs of India. "Both sides are expected to review the entire gamut of bilateral relationship during the meeting between the leaders on the sidelines of the SCO in Bishkek," he said further. The Russian President is also expected to meet China's Xi Jinping and Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian, according to various media reports. What is SCO? SCO or Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Heads of State summit was established in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to ease military tensions and address border disputes after the Soviet Union broke into several small countries. Uzbekistan joined when the SCO was formally established in 2001, while India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024. The 10-member bloc, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus represents about 3.4 billion people and roughly a quarter of global GDP.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to take part in the meeting amid war with US and growing economic pressure.

Putin to take part in SCO summit, meet China's Xi, India's Modi and Iran's Pezeshkian

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's videos and photos of meeting world leaders, especially Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, during the now-concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), are going viral on the internet. While Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif also attended the SCO Summit, there was no exchange of smiles or handshake with PM Modi. Nor did the Indian PM have a bilateral meeting with the Pakistani counterpart. Moreover, a video of PM Modi speaking to Putin while seemingly ignoring the Pakistan PM has also surfaced. Amid all of this, another video of Sharif's awkward handshake with the Russian president is doing the rounds on the internet.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-at-sco-summit-says-india-bearing-brunt-of-terrorism-for-last-four-decades-thanks-countries-that-stood-by-us-during-pahalgam-terror-attack-1756700589722">PM Modi at SCO Summit says India ‘bearing brunt of terrorism for last four decades’</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">While other leaders showed composure, Pakistan PM Shehabaz Sharif came running to Putin to shake his hand.... pathetic attention seeking behaviour. Xi Jinping realised what Shehbaz was going to do, so he looked the other way and ignored him 😭 <a href="https://t.co/NAEeDw2oyY">pic.twitter.com/NAEeDw2oyY</a>— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Incognito_qfs/status/1962164856800584181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-at-sco-summit-in-two-car-rides-and-body-language-bonhomie-indian-pm-was-given-x-s-favourite-ride-and-had-putin-by-the-side-at-tinjian-1756706706483">Modi at SCO summit in two car rides and body language bonhomie</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-pm-modi-xi-jinping-vladimir-putin-clicked-together-in-china-1756718932660/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-pm-modi-xi-jinping-vladimir-putin-clicked-together-in-china-1756718932660/embed</a>&nbsp;This short video clip from the summit, Russian President Putin and Chinese premier Xi Jinping are seen walking side by side. Then, Pakistani PM Sharif is seen coming from behind and is seen rushing towards Putin to shake hands. While Putin turns around to shake his hand, Jinping didn't turn back to look at Sharif and kept walking. Sharif's reaction has made him a target for the social media trolls. In another video, PM Modi is seen having a conversation with Russian President Putin as they walk past Sharif. The Pakistani PM is seen glancing at them, seemingly anticipating a greeting or acknowledgement, but both leaders continue ahead without offering him any attention.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-ignored-shehbaz-sharif-at-sco-summit-netizens-troll-pak-pm-on-social-media-watch-1756702414074">PM Modi ignored Shehbaz Sharif at SCO summit? Netizens troll Pak PM on social media</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch: Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif looks on as PM Modi, Russian President Putin walks past him at the SCO summit <a href="https://t.co/aqIMQBuI6v">pic.twitter.com/aqIMQBuI6v</a>— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1962345522066321526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At the SCO Summit 2025, PM Modi’s interactions with Putin and Xi went viral, while Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif faced social media trolling for an awkward handshake with Putin and being seemingly ignored by Modi. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's videos and photos of meeting world leaders, especially Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, during the now-concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), are going viral on the internet. While Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif also attended the SCO Summit, there was no exchange of smiles or handshake with PM Modi. Nor did the Indian PM have a bilateral meeting with the Pakistani counterpart. Moreover, a video of PM Modi speaking to Putin while seemingly ignoring the Pakistan PM has also surfaced. Amid all of this, another video of Sharif's awkward handshake with the Russian president is doing the rounds on the internet. Read More | PM Modi at SCO Summit says India ‘bearing brunt of terrorism for last four decades’

At the SCO Summit 2025, PM Modi’s interactions with Putin and Xi went viral, while Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif faced social media trolling for an awkward handshake with Putin and being seemingly ignored by Modi.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif rushes for handshake with Putin, gets 'ignored' by Xi Jinping at SCO Summit- WATCH

SCO Summit: Can the regional members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) be part of a common Eurasian security area similar to NATO, and have a common banking region? That's a tantalising possibility discussed at the SCO summit underway in China's Tinjian city on Monday (Sep 1). &nbsp;The proposals were shared by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, and some of them were discussed in some form at the summit, which is being attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Belarus became a full member of SCO in 2024. Taking on from Lukashenko's six proposals, here is how SCO could reshape the world in the near future. SCO could amerge a platform of dialogue for countries affected by Western sanctions, tariff war, blockades and military actions, as they include everyone targeted by US President Donald Trump and the West: from Russia to Iran to India and China.<h2>How SCO could lead the way for NATO-like ‘Indivisible Security’ in Eurasia</h2>Lukashenko reiterated the idea of "Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century," with the SCO as the primary forum for its implementation. The idea of unified security framework for Eurasia stresses indivisible security where no nation's safety comes at the expense of another's. This includes addressing terrorism, cyber attacks, and regional conflicts, advocating for collective responses over unilateral actions, which sounds very similar to NATO. &nbsp;In Lukashenko's view, this could strengthen SCO's anti-terrorism mechanisms and promote stability across member states, which cover over 40 per cent of the world's population.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-day-2-pm-modi-raises-pahalgam-india-bearing-brunt-of-terrorism-for-4-decades-1756700967450/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-day-2-pm-modi-raises-pahalgam-india-bearing-brunt-of-terrorism-for-4-decades-1756700967450/embed</a><h2>A banking area of SCO member states?</h2>Creating an SCO Development Bank, as per Lukashenko's proposal, would finance infrastructure and development projects among Smember states, reducing reliance on Western financial institutions like the IMF or World Bank. This could help economic cooperation, given that the combined GDP in purchasing power parity of SCO members &nbsp;could reach $82 trillion in 2025. &nbsp;This aligns with broader SCO goals of de-dollarisation and could enhance trade resilience for economies like Belarus and Russia facing Western sanctions and tariffs, by facilitating loans in national currencies.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2025-how-many-indians-live-and-work-in-china-1756121268769">Also read: SCO Summit 2025: How many Indians live and work in China?</a><h2>Towards an SCO-led security architecture</h2>SCO is envisioning a ‘Universal SCO Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats’, and an ‘Anti-Drug Centre’. These centres can cooerdinate response to &nbsp;transnational issues like drug trafficking, extremism, and organised crime. They can build on existing SCO bodies like the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), making it a more proactive force in regional security. This becomes &nbsp;relevant amid rising drug flows from Afghanistan and cyber threats.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gathering-of-solidarity-friendship-china-welcomes-pm-modi-for-sco-summit-visit-1754667257818">'Gathering of solidarity, friendship...': China welcomes PM Modi for SCO Summit visit</a>&nbsp;<h2>An independent financial mechanism for SCO&nbsp;</h2>As advocated by Lukashenko, an autonomous SCO financial system to fund cross-border initiatives could mitigate the impact of tariffs and sanctions, while financial settlements can be done in national currencies. This could support projects in logistics, energy, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. This could offset external pressures like Trump tariffs, US and EU sanctions through alternative payment infrastructures. This could be done through expanding the SCO Interbank Association, promoting sustainable growth in a multipolar economy while reducing vulnerability to global financial volatility.<h2>Promoting trade between SCO member nations</h2>While analysing Lukashenko's proposals for trade promotion, it should be noted that SCO member states are some of the biggest purchasers and sellers of oil and natural gas. Annual trade among SCO nations already surpasses $2 trillion. As Lukashenko mentioned, it can be expanded through joint investment funds, digital economy development, and green technologies. Trade can expand beyond commodities, focusing on high-tech sectors to achieve long-term economic synergy. This could also faciliate energy deals between Russia, China and India, or tech collaborations involving India, countering trade barriers imposed by the US.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-to-resume-border-trade-amid-trump-s-tariff-war-here-s-what-we-know-1755158513544">China, India to resume border trade amid Trump's tariff war? Here's what we know</a><h2>Expanding SCO to coalition of concerned states</h2>As indicated by Lukashenko, no other grouping currently has the membership of nations affected by Western sanctions as SCO. The Belarus leader supported admitting new members and partners who embody the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual respect, trust, equality, dialogue, and common development. Such an expansion will improve the influence of SCO, particularly if Turkey and ASEAN nations are included as observers. This year's SCO summit is a harbinger of such expansion, having seen attendance by 30 leaders including non-members like Egypt's prime minister and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Expansion could enhance the SCO's geopolitical weight as a counterbalance to NATO or the G7. But there is risk that its cohesion could be diluted, if new entrants have conflicting interests. Already, there are tensions between India and Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, even as Islamabad is increasingly getting closer to Trump administration.Can SCO members resolve their bilateral conflicts and work towards common security and economic goals? If that happens, it could change world history.&nbsp;

SCO Summit: Thinking of Eurasia as a common security area and banking region could change the military and economic dynamics of the entire regional nations who are members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Belarus President Lukashenko's proposals point to this direction

SCO Summit: Can the regional members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) be part of a common Eurasian security area similar to NATO, and have a common banking region? That's a tantalising possibility discussed at the SCO summit underway in China's Tinjian city on Monday (Sep 1). The proposals were shared by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, and some of them were discussed in some form at the summit, which is being attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Belarus became a full member of SCO in 2024. Taking on from Lukashenko's six proposals, here is how SCO could reshape the world in the near future. SCO could amerge a platform of dialogue for countries affected by Western sanctions, tariff war, blockades and military actions, as they include everyone targeted by US President Donald Trump and the West: from Russia to Iran to India and China. How SCO could lead the way for NATO-like ‘Indivisible Security’ in Eurasia Lukashenko reiterated the idea of "Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century," with the SCO as the primary forum for its implementation. The idea of unified security framework for Eurasia stresses indivisible security where no nation's safety comes at the expense of another's. This includes addressing terrorism, cyber attacks, and regional conflicts, advocating for collective responses over unilateral actions, which sounds very similar to NATO. In Lukashenko's view, this could strengthen SCO's anti-terrorism mechanisms and promote stability across member states, which cover over 40 per cent of the world's population. https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-day-2-pm-modi-raises-pahalgam-india-bearing-brunt-of-terrorism-for-4-decades-1756700967450/embed A banking area of SCO member states? Creating an SCO Development Bank, as per Lukashenko's proposal, would finance infrastructure and development projects among Smember states, reducing reliance on Western financial institutions like the IMF or World Bank. This could help economic cooperation, given that the combined GDP in purchasing power parity of SCO members could reach $82 trillion in 2025. This aligns with broader SCO goals of de-dollarisation and could enhance trade resilience for economies like Belarus and Russia facing Western sanctions and tariffs, by facilitating loans in national currencies. Also read: SCO Summit 2025: How many Indians live and work in China? Towards an SCO-led security architecture SCO is envisioning a ‘Universal SCO Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats’, and an ‘Anti-Drug Centre’. These centres can cooerdinate response to transnational issues like drug trafficking, extremism, and organised crime. They can build on existing SCO bodies like the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), making it a more proactive force in regional security. This becomes relevant amid rising drug flows from Afghanistan and cyber threats. Also read: 'Gathering of solidarity, friendship...': China welcomes PM Modi for SCO Summit visit An independent financial mechanism for SCO As advocated by Lukashenko, an autonomous SCO financial system to fund cross-border initiatives could mitigate the impact of tariffs and sanctions, while financial settlements can be done in national currencies. This could support projects in logistics, energy, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. This could offset external pressures like Trump tariffs, US and EU sanctions through alternative payment infrastructures. This could be done through expanding the SCO Interbank Association, promoting sustainable growth in a multipolar economy while reducing vulnerability to global financial volatility. Promoting trade between SCO member nations While analysing Lukashenko's proposals for trade promotion, it should be noted that SCO member states are some of the biggest purchasers and sellers of oil and natural gas. Annual trade among SCO nations already surpasses $2 trillion. As Lukashenko mentioned, it can be expanded through joint investment funds, digital economy development, and green technologies. Trade can expand beyond commodities, focusing on high-tech sectors to achieve long-term economic synergy. This could also faciliate energy deals between Russia, China and India, or tech collaborations involving India, countering trade barriers imposed by the US. Also read: China, India to resume border trade amid Trump's tariff war? Here's what we know Expanding SCO to coalition of concerned states As indicated by Lukashenko, no other grouping currently has the membership of nations affected by Western sanctions as SCO. The Belarus leader supported admitting new members and partners who embody the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual respect, trust, equality, dialogue, and common development. Such an expansion will improve the influence of SCO, particularly if Turkey and ASEAN nations are included as observers. This year's SCO summit is a harbinger of such expansion, having seen attendance by 30 leaders including non-members like Egypt's prime minister and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Expansion could enhance the SCO's geopolitical weight as a counterbalance to NATO or the G7. But there is risk that its cohesion could be diluted, if new entrants have conflicting interests. Already, there are tensions between India and Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, even as Islamabad is increasingly getting closer to Trump administration. Can SCO members resolve their bilateral conflicts and work towards common security and economic goals? If that happens, it could change world history.

SCO Summit: Thinking of Eurasia as a common security area and banking region could change the military and economic dynamics of the entire regional nations who are members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Belarus President Lukashenko's proposals point to this direction

SCO Summit: Eurasia as a NATO-like security area and banking region to counter US, West? Why these proposals can change the world

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit that India will host in 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said. &nbsp;President Xi thanked Prime Minister Modi for the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency. India is preparing to take over the leadership of BRICS from the current president, Brazil. &nbsp;PM Modi also expressed support for China's Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Summit in Tianjin, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement today. &nbsp;The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin today. The two leaders had previously met in Russia's Kazan in 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. &nbsp;In July this year, Prime Minister Modi, in his intervention at the BRICS grouping's summit in Rio De Janeiro, said that India will attempt to give a "new form" to the BRICS next year. &nbsp;PM Modi said BRICS will mean Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability, and just as during the G-20 chairmanship, India had given priority to the issues of the Global South in the agenda, similarly, during India's chairmanship of BRICS, it will take the forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first. The 17th BRICS Summit held under the theme: "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance". Xi Jinping had participated in the summit virtually. Commitments were adopted across strategic areas, including global governance, finance, health, AI, climate change, peace and security. &nbsp;In addition to the main declaration, BRICS leaders endorsed three supplementary frameworks- The BRICS Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, The BRICS Leaders' Declaration on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence and the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases. &nbsp;The Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance is a first-of-its-kind collective BRICS commitment under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. The declaration proposed mobilising USD 300 billion annually by 2035 for climate-related investments, with an explicit emphasis on ensuring that such finance is “accessible, timely and concessional.” The Rio-de-Janerio summit announced the establishment of a BRICS Climate Research Platform to harmonise data, share best practices, and advance joint modelling. The BRICS Leaders' Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence emphasised that AI must serve as a tool to advance inclusive development, reduce digital inequalities, and empower the Global South through multilateral, UN-led frameworks. The BRICS grouping is formed by eleven countries: Brasil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. It serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South, facilitating coordination in a wide range of areas. Meanwhile, during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then, the MEA said in a statement. They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. They recognized the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts. Both leaders welcomed the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024. They reaffirmed that the two countries were development partners and not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes. A stable relationship and cooperation between India and China and their 2.8 billion peoples on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity are necessary for the growth and development of the two countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multi-polar Asia befitting the trends of the 21st century. &nbsp;Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then. They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. They recognized the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts, the MEA said in a statement. The two leaders noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visa. On economic and trade relations, they recognized the role of their two economies to stabilize world trade. They underlined the need to proceed from a political and strategic direction to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce trade deficit. The Prime Minister noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens. The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms. Prime Minister also had a meeting with Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. Prime Minister Modi shared with Cai his vision for bilateral relations and sought his support to realize the vision of the two leaders, the MEA said. Cai reiterated the Chinese side's desire to expand bilateral exchanges and further improve relations in line with the consensus reached between the two leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. &nbsp;&nbsp;

during their bilateral meeting at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, Indian PM Modi has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit in India in 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit that India will host in 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said. President Xi thanked Prime Minister Modi for the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency. India is preparing to take over the leadership of BRICS from the current president, Brazil. PM Modi also expressed support for China's Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Summit in Tianjin, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement today. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin today. The two leaders had previously met in Russia's Kazan in 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. In July this year, Prime Minister Modi, in his intervention at the BRICS grouping's summit in Rio De Janeiro, said that India will attempt to give a "new form" to the BRICS next year. PM Modi said BRICS will mean Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability, and just as during the G-20 chairmanship, India had given priority to the issues of the Global South in the agenda, similarly, during India's chairmanship of BRICS, it will take the forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first. The 17th BRICS Summit held under the theme: "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance". Xi Jinping had participated in the summit virtually. Commitments were adopted across strategic areas, including global governance, finance, health, AI, climate change, peace and security. In addition to the main declaration, BRICS leaders endorsed three supplementary frameworks- The BRICS Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, The BRICS Leaders' Declaration on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence and the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases. The Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance is a first-of-its-kind collective BRICS commitment under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. The declaration proposed mobilising USD 300 billion annually by 2035 for climate-related investments, with an explicit emphasis on ensuring that such finance is “accessible, timely and concessional.” The Rio-de-Janerio summit announced the establishment of a BRICS Climate Research Platform to harmonise data, share best practices, and advance joint modelling. The BRICS Leaders' Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence emphasised that AI must serve as a tool to advance inclusive development, reduce digital inequalities, and empower the Global South through multilateral, UN-led frameworks. The BRICS grouping is formed by eleven countries: Brasil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. It serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South, facilitating coordination in a wide range of areas. Meanwhile, during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then, the MEA said in a statement. They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. They recognized the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts. Both leaders welcomed the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024. They reaffirmed that the two countries were development partners and not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes. A stable relationship and cooperation between India and China and their 2.8 billion peoples on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity are necessary for the growth and development of the two countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multi-polar Asia befitting the trends of the 21st century. Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then. They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. They recognized the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts, the MEA said in a statement. The two leaders noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visa. On economic and trade relations, they recognized the role of their two economies to stabilize world trade. They underlined the need to proceed from a political and strategic direction to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce trade deficit. The Prime Minister noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens. The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms. Prime Minister also had a meeting with Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. Prime Minister Modi shared with Cai his vision for bilateral relations and sought his support to realize the vision of the two leaders, the MEA said. Cai reiterated the Chinese side's desire to expand bilateral exchanges and further improve relations in line with the consensus reached between the two leaders. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

During their bilateral meeting at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, Indian PM Modi has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit in India in 2026.

Modi invites Xi to India's BRICS summit; leaders reaffirm border peace, commitment to stronger ties

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 kicked off in Tianjin, China, on Sunday (Aug 31), with dignitaries like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Russian President Vladimir Putin and others in attendance. The summit's packed agenda focuses on boosting unity and strengthening the voice of the Global South.&nbsp;The global summit comes on the heels of the June 2025 G7 summit, where leaders of seven advanced economies signed a statement supporting Israel's right to defend itself. Now, all eyes are on the SCO Summit, which observers believe will tackle key issues like enhancing security and reforming financial mechanisms. With the SCO summit underway, let's take a look at how SCO, and G7 match up.<h2>'Voice of Global South' Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)</h2>The 2025 summit is China's fifth time hosting the SCO. Through the summit, China aims to help the SCO "enter a new stage of high-quality development characterised by greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productivity, and to make a greater contribution to building a community with a shared future for humanity", said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a statement to People's Daily.The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a security organisation consisting of 10 member countries - &nbsp;Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. While the bloc may not comprise the world's most developed nations, it boasts member nations that comprise a significant part of the world's population and GDP.SCO is often seen as a voice for the "Global South" and a conscious attempt to build an alternative to the US-led international order. The organisation is known to back non-interference, sovereignty and a multipolar world. &nbsp;<h2>'World's most advanced economies' G7</h2>On the other hand, the Group of Seven (G7) nations are the world's most advanced economies. The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. While India is not a member nation, the South Asian nation has become a regular and influential invitee to the summit's "outreach sessions".<h2>SCO vs G7</h2>Economic power: While the G7 has traditionally held the economic advantage, the expanding SCO and BRICS blocs are gaining ground. The SCO's combined GDP, as per reports, is approaching that of the G7. The SCO grouping is also actively working to create alternative financial and trading systems to reduce reliance on the US dollar and Western-led institutions.Political cohesion: The G7's strength lies in its shared values and deep-seated cooperation. It can act with a largely coherent voice on global issues. In contrast, the SCO, despite issuing joint declarations, is a much looser framework. Deep-seated rivalries and differing national interests among its members, such as between India and China, limit its ability to take unified, decisive action.Military and security: The G7 is not a military alliance itself, but its members are at the core of NATO, a highly integrated and powerful military bloc. The SCO, while focused on security, is not a collective defense pact like NATO. Its members actively avoid a NATO-like alliance structure, and their military cooperation is more limited to counter-terrorism and regional security.

The G7 represents the world's most advanced economies, while the SCO is seen as a voice for the Global South. Let's have a look at how G7, and SCO compare.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 kicked off in Tianjin, China, on Sunday (Aug 31), with dignitaries like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Russian President Vladimir Putin and others in attendance. The summit's packed agenda focuses on boosting unity and strengthening the voice of the Global South. The global summit comes on the heels of the June 2025 G7 summit, where leaders of seven advanced economies signed a statement supporting Israel's right to defend itself. Now, all eyes are on the SCO Summit, which observers believe will tackle key issues like enhancing security and reforming financial mechanisms. With the SCO summit underway, let's take a look at how SCO, and G7 match up. 'Voice of Global South' Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) The 2025 summit is China's fifth time hosting the SCO. Through the summit, China aims to help the SCO "enter a new stage of high-quality development characterised by greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productivity, and to make a greater contribution to building a community with a shared future for humanity", said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a statement to People's Daily. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a security organisation consisting of 10 member countries - Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. While the bloc may not comprise the world's most developed nations, it boasts member nations that comprise a significant part of the world's population and GDP. SCO is often seen as a voice for the "Global South" and a conscious attempt to build an alternative to the US-led international order. The organisation is known to back non-interference, sovereignty and a multipolar world. 'World's most advanced economies' G7 On the other hand, the Group of Seven (G7) nations are the world's most advanced economies. The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. While India is not a member nation, the South Asian nation has become a regular and influential invitee to the summit's "outreach sessions". SCO vs G7 Economic power: While the G7 has traditionally held the economic advantage, the expanding SCO and BRICS blocs are gaining ground. The SCO's combined GDP, as per reports, is approaching that of the G7. The SCO grouping is also actively working to create alternative financial and trading systems to reduce reliance on the US dollar and Western-led institutions. Political cohesion: The G7's strength lies in its shared values and deep-seated cooperation. It can act with a largely coherent voice on global issues. In contrast, the SCO, despite issuing joint declarations, is a much looser framework. Deep-seated rivalries and differing national interests among its members, such as between India and China, limit its ability to take unified, decisive action. Military and security: The G7 is not a military alliance itself, but its members are at the core of NATO, a highly integrated and powerful military bloc. The SCO, while focused on security, is not a collective defense pact like NATO. Its members actively avoid a NATO-like alliance structure, and their military cooperation is more limited to counter-terrorism and regional security.

The G7 represents the world's most advanced economies, while the SCO is seen as a voice for the Global South. Let's have a look at how G7, and SCO compare.

G7 vs SCO: Which bloc holds real power, can one stand up to the other?

China is hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. All eyes are set at the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese premier Xi Jinping and Russian PM Vladimir Putin. In an uncertain Trumpian world, the SCO can play a pivotal force to connect the Asian trifecta - India-China-Russia and offer the world a compelling alternative to the traditional Western-led economic order. Aiming for a multipolar global framework, while also throwing its own hegemonic weight, the three countries along with all other SCO member countries, will meet on Aug 31 to counter the unpredictability of Washington's trade actions. So, how exactly can SCO be crucial amid Trump's tariff war: let's analyse.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-china-shift-relations-sco-summit-2025-1756569422106">Ahead of SCO Summit 2025, India and China revive confidence-building measures with border trade, flight resumption</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2025-how-sco-compares-to-g7-brics-1756577651713/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2025-how-sco-compares-to-g7-brics-1756577651713/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Economic realignment, de-dollarization and pushback against protectionism</h2>The SCO member countries aim for economic integeration by providing alternatives for a connected economic order. One of its key objectives is to reduce dependency on Western financial mechanisms, particularly the U.S. dollar. While Trump has issued multiple threats to nations for finding an alternation to US dollar, the SCO nations have started discussions around alternative currencies like the yuan and regional payment systems. This is done keeping in mind to protect the member economies from external economic shocks like tariffs or sanctions. The organization’s emphasis on enhancing economic resilience and building sustainable supply chains among member nations helps cushion the effects of external tariffs.&nbsp;Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2025-can-sco-and-brics-become-a-genuine-counterweight-to-western-alliances-such-as-nato-g7-and-eu-1756554676724"> Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU?</a>&nbsp;The SCO has always criticised the unilateral trade practices and pressure tactics. It has demanded reform in global trade bodies like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and batted for a rules-based order that promotes transparency and fair-play, and one that is free of economic coercion. The SCO is also seen as a strong geopolitical statement against the West for its 'Global South consolidation' message. Amid America's massive protectionism policies, SCO can be a global trading system showing unity, resilience, and a shared desire for a new economic direction.&nbsp;Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-wuhan-spirit-to-border-standoff-to-tariff-war-timeline-of-shifting-dynamics-of-modi-xi-relationship-ahead-of-sco-summit-1756567521123">Timeline of shifting dynamics of Modi–Xi relationship ahead of SCO Summit</a><h2>India's crucial role in SCO and message to the West</h2>For India, the SCO becomes a platform to balance its geopolitical interests and pursue an independent foreign policy. Reeling under the pressure of Trump's 50 per cent tariff, New Delhi is definitely seeing the SCO Summit in Tianjin as an opportunity to send a message to the US that India's independent foreign policy will help it to realign with friends and foes alike, even as America continues to alienate the world powers. Through this platform, India is exploring ways to reduce tensions with China while also reinforcing its long-standing ties with Russia. Time and again, India has maintained that its purchase and trade are based on national interests. So, when the Indian PM meets the Russian counterpart at the SCO Summit, the White House might be displeased, but the message will be sent: that India won't bow down to pressure and will continue to build its ties with nations as per its own interests. Similarly, when PM Modi meets China's Xi Jinping, it will send a message to the US that it cannot coerce New Delhi on the basis of its fractured relations with neighbours. By participating in the SCO, India is also keeping its options open beyond Western-led groupings like the Quad, signaling that it is willing to cooperate with both East and West based on national interests and changing geopolitical dynamics.

The SCO provides a crucial platform for member states like India, China, and Russia to counter US protectionism. The 2025 summit will see leaders coordinate on trade and finance, seeking alternatives to the U.S. dollar to mitigate the impact of new tariffs.

China is hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. All eyes are set at the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese premier Xi Jinping and Russian PM Vladimir Putin. In an uncertain Trumpian world, the SCO can play a pivotal force to connect the Asian trifecta - India-China-Russia and offer the world a compelling alternative to the traditional Western-led economic order. Aiming for a multipolar global framework, while also throwing its own hegemonic weight, the three countries along with all other SCO member countries, will meet on Aug 31 to counter the unpredictability of Washington's trade actions. So, how exactly can SCO be crucial amid Trump's tariff war: let's analyse. Read More | Ahead of SCO Summit 2025, India and China revive confidence-building measures with border trade, flight resumption https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2025-how-sco-compares-to-g7-brics-1756577651713/embed Economic realignment, de-dollarization and pushback against protectionism The SCO member countries aim for economic integeration by providing alternatives for a connected economic order. One of its key objectives is to reduce dependency on Western financial mechanisms, particularly the U.S. dollar. While Trump has issued multiple threats to nations for finding an alternation to US dollar, the SCO nations have started discussions around alternative currencies like the yuan and regional payment systems. This is done keeping in mind to protect the member economies from external economic shocks like tariffs or sanctions. The organization’s emphasis on enhancing economic resilience and building sustainable supply chains among member nations helps cushion the effects of external tariffs. Read More | Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU? The SCO has always criticised the unilateral trade practices and pressure tactics. It has demanded reform in global trade bodies like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and batted for a rules-based order that promotes transparency and fair-play, and one that is free of economic coercion. The SCO is also seen as a strong geopolitical statement against the West for its 'Global South consolidation' message. Amid America's massive protectionism policies, SCO can be a global trading system showing unity, resilience, and a shared desire for a new economic direction. Read More | Timeline of shifting dynamics of Modi–Xi relationship ahead of SCO Summit India's crucial role in SCO and message to the West For India, the SCO becomes a platform to balance its geopolitical interests and pursue an independent foreign policy. Reeling under the pressure of Trump's 50 per cent tariff, New Delhi is definitely seeing the SCO Summit in Tianjin as an opportunity to send a message to the US that India's independent foreign policy will help it to realign with friends and foes alike, even as America continues to alienate the world powers. Through this platform, India is exploring ways to reduce tensions with China while also reinforcing its long-standing ties with Russia. Time and again, India has maintained that its purchase and trade are based on national interests. So, when the Indian PM meets the Russian counterpart at the SCO Summit, the White House might be displeased, but the message will be sent: that India won't bow down to pressure and will continue to build its ties with nations as per its own interests. Similarly, when PM Modi meets China's Xi Jinping, it will send a message to the US that it cannot coerce New Delhi on the basis of its fractured relations with neighbours. By participating in the SCO, India is also keeping its options open beyond Western-led groupings like the Quad, signaling that it is willing to cooperate with both East and West based on national interests and changing geopolitical dynamics.

The SCO provides a crucial platform for member states like India, China, and Russia to counter US protectionism. The 2025 summit will see leaders coordinate on trade and finance, seeking alternatives to the U.S. dollar to mitigate the impact of new tariffs.

SCO Summit 2025: Can the bloc counter Trump’s tariff war? What India wants to tell the US standing alongside Xi and Putin

Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have shared a relationship marked by both collaboration and conflict. While they held several summits and aimed for closer ties, recurring border tensions and strategic rifts have often disrupted progress

Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have shared a relationship marked by both collaboration and conflict. While they held several summits and aimed for closer ties, recurring border tensions and strategic rifts have often disrupted progress

From Wuhan spirit to border standoff to tariff war: Timeline of shifting dynamics of Modi–Xi relationship ahead of SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tianjin on August 30, 2025, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit (SCO) scheduled for August 31-September 1. This is PM Modi's first visit in 7 years. Upon arrival, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora living in China, while a Chinese artist performed Classical Indian music and dance.&nbsp;India and China historically had troubled relations, with territorial disputes including the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Aksai Chin, which is claimed by India but China controls it and Arunachal Pradesh, which is part of India but China makes a claim of it. There had been military standoffs and border skirmishes like the Galwan Valley standoff of 2020, which soured the relationship even more. Moreover, India alleged that during the 4-day-long scuffle with Pakistan, China provided operational and technical assistance, an accusation which had been denied by Beijing. New Delhi also frowns upon, Beijing's closeness to its rival at Islamabad via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Even though China is India's largest trade partner, India runs a huge trade deficit with China, appx. $100 billion in 2024-25, which puts India in a weaker situation. Despite this, there is a mass mobilisation in the country against Chinese products and restricted Chinese apps and investment. This had created significant friction between the two nations. India wants to rival Chinese influence in South Asia.But with the recent 50 per cent tariff on India by the US and the Indian Prime Minister visiting China almost after 7 years, speculations about the two giant economies growing closer will alarm Washington.&nbsp;<h2>Is there a shift in India-China relations</h2>There had been a notable shift between India and China relations. Both nations are pragmatic in their approach towards each other. India and China, in October 2024, agreed to establish a Border Patrol agreement, which reinstated patrols and eased tension in key zones like Depsang and Demchok. In June 2025, India and China agreed on a four-point formula during bilateral talks, disengagement, demarcation, working-level mechanisms and de-escalation.&nbsp;In August 2025, first time after the COVID-19 lockdown, India and China opened direct flight routes. Both nations agreed to resume border trade after 5 years via the mountain passes Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim, though Nepal objected to it. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also resumed after 5 years. As India-US relations face challenges, India-China relations found a catalyst for rapprochement. Despite tensions, India-China bilateral trade was highest in 2024-25. China wants India to be part of the multipolar world, one that is not dominated by the Western neo-liberal agenda, by being an active part of BRICS and SCO. But India is finding it hard to balance between the West and the Global South. Despite the positive signals, China views its relationship with India as a strategic rivalry, with the border dispute as its core issue. It is also wary about India's growing defence cooperation with the US. Analysts believe both nations remain committed to the idea of trade and cooperation, but internal security and border security will likely remain a bone of contention.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Tianjin visit for the SCO Summit 2025 marks a cautious thaw in India-China ties. From border patrol agreements to flight and trade resumption, both nations are seeking pragmatic engagement despite rivalry and U.S. tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tianjin on August 30, 2025, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit (SCO) scheduled for August 31-September 1. This is PM Modi's first visit in 7 years. Upon arrival, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora living in China, while a Chinese artist performed Classical Indian music and dance. India and China historically had troubled relations, with territorial disputes including the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Aksai Chin, which is claimed by India but China controls it and Arunachal Pradesh, which is part of India but China makes a claim of it. There had been military standoffs and border skirmishes like the Galwan Valley standoff of 2020, which soured the relationship even more. Moreover, India alleged that during the 4-day-long scuffle with Pakistan, China provided operational and technical assistance, an accusation which had been denied by Beijing. New Delhi also frowns upon, Beijing's closeness to its rival at Islamabad via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Even though China is India's largest trade partner, India runs a huge trade deficit with China, appx. $100 billion in 2024-25, which puts India in a weaker situation. Despite this, there is a mass mobilisation in the country against Chinese products and restricted Chinese apps and investment. This had created significant friction between the two nations. India wants to rival Chinese influence in South Asia. But with the recent 50 per cent tariff on India by the US and the Indian Prime Minister visiting China almost after 7 years, speculations about the two giant economies growing closer will alarm Washington. Is there a shift in India-China relations There had been a notable shift between India and China relations. Both nations are pragmatic in their approach towards each other. India and China, in October 2024, agreed to establish a Border Patrol agreement, which reinstated patrols and eased tension in key zones like Depsang and Demchok. In June 2025, India and China agreed on a four-point formula during bilateral talks, disengagement, demarcation, working-level mechanisms and de-escalation. In August 2025, first time after the COVID-19 lockdown, India and China opened direct flight routes. Both nations agreed to resume border trade after 5 years via the mountain passes Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim, though Nepal objected to it. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also resumed after 5 years. As India-US relations face challenges, India-China relations found a catalyst for rapprochement. Despite tensions, India-China bilateral trade was highest in 2024-25. China wants India to be part of the multipolar world, one that is not dominated by the Western neo-liberal agenda, by being an active part of BRICS and SCO. But India is finding it hard to balance between the West and the Global South. Despite the positive signals, China views its relationship with India as a strategic rivalry, with the border dispute as its core issue. It is also wary about India's growing defence cooperation with the US. Analysts believe both nations remain committed to the idea of trade and cooperation, but internal security and border security will likely remain a bone of contention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Tianjin visit for the SCO Summit 2025 marks a cautious thaw in India-China ties. From border patrol agreements to flight and trade resumption, both nations are seeking pragmatic engagement despite rivalry and U.S. tensions.

Ahead of SCO Summit 2025, India and China revive confidence-building measures with border trade, flight resumption

In July 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping told fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders in Astana that “no mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations.” At the time, the words rang hollow. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the summit, a move seen as a snub at the time. A year on, the picture has changed. As China hosts the SCO summit this Sunday (August 31), it expects a record turnout of leaders. Modi will return to China for the first time since 2018, driven partly by tensions with Washington after President Donald Trump slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, nudging New Delhi closer to Beijing and its Eurasian partners.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2025-can-sco-and-brics-become-a-genuine-counterweight-to-western-alliances-such-as-nato-g7-and-eu-1756554676724">SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU?</a>While, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is usually seen as a security club, its economic size is striking. Together, its ten members now make up nearly $26.8 trillion in GDP, around 22.5% of the world economy, based on IMF estimates for 2025. That puts the group close to the G7 in scale, and not far behind NATO, which represents about 30% of global GDP.<h2>Who are the biggest players?</h2>The SCO is dominated by its three largest members. China accounts for more than 70% of the bloc’s GDP, at over $19 trillion. India contributes $4.2 trillion, and Russia adds about $2.1 trillion. Together, they make up nearly nine-tenths of the total economy. The other members, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, together provide less than 15%.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dragon-elephant-tango-will-pm-modi-s-china-visit-change-the-indo-pacific-balance-1756550879120">'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change Indo-Pacific balance?</a><h2>How does SCO compare with other blocs?</h2>The SCO is big, but not the largest. The G7 represents about $30 trillion in GDP, while NATO members combined make nearly $36 trillion. The BRICS group, after its expansion, is the largest of all, with an expected $48 trillion, or almost 40% of global GDP. By comparison, the SCO looks smaller, but still powerful enough to be counted as a major bloc.<h2>GDP and GNP: What do the figures show?</h2>GDP measures output inside a country, while GNP tracks the income of its citizens. The differences are small for most SCO states. For example, China’s GNP is $18.9 trillion versus GDP of $19.4 trillion. India’s GNP is $3.6 trillion, slightly lower than its GDP. Iran’s GNP ($421B) is higher than its GDP ($341B), while Kazakhstan’s is lower. These numbers show that while the SCO is large, most of its economic power is still concentrated inside its borders.

The SCO, often seen as a security grouping, is emerging as an economic force. With a combined GDP of $26.8 trillion, it now rivals the G7 and approaches NATO’s scale.

In July 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping told fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders in Astana that “no mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations.” At the time, the words rang hollow. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the summit, a move seen as a snub at the time. A year on, the picture has changed. As China hosts the SCO summit this Sunday (August 31), it expects a record turnout of leaders. Modi will return to China for the first time since 2018, driven partly by tensions with Washington after President Donald Trump slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, nudging New Delhi closer to Beijing and its Eurasian partners. Also read: SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU? While, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is usually seen as a security club, its economic size is striking. Together, its ten members now make up nearly $26.8 trillion in GDP, around 22.5% of the world economy, based on IMF estimates for 2025. That puts the group close to the G7 in scale, and not far behind NATO, which represents about 30% of global GDP. Who are the biggest players? The SCO is dominated by its three largest members. China accounts for more than 70% of the bloc’s GDP, at over $19 trillion. India contributes $4.2 trillion, and Russia adds about $2.1 trillion. Together, they make up nearly nine-tenths of the total economy. The other members, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, together provide less than 15%. Also read: 'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change Indo-Pacific balance? How does SCO compare with other blocs? The SCO is big, but not the largest. The G7 represents about $30 trillion in GDP, while NATO members combined make nearly $36 trillion. The BRICS group, after its expansion, is the largest of all, with an expected $48 trillion, or almost 40% of global GDP. By comparison, the SCO looks smaller, but still powerful enough to be counted as a major bloc. GDP and GNP: What do the figures show? GDP measures output inside a country, while GNP tracks the income of its citizens. The differences are small for most SCO states. For example, China’s GNP is $18.9 trillion versus GDP of $19.4 trillion. India’s GNP is $3.6 trillion, slightly lower than its GDP. Iran’s GNP ($421B) is higher than its GDP ($341B), while Kazakhstan’s is lower. These numbers show that while the SCO is large, most of its economic power is still concentrated inside its borders.

The SCO, often seen as a security grouping, is emerging as an economic force. With a combined GDP of $26.8 trillion, it now rivals the G7 and approaches NATO’s scale.

Close to G7, not far behind NATO: How big is the SCO economy and who are its biggest players?

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Close to G7, not far behind NATO: How big is the SCO economy?