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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been provided with the symbolic "Made in China" Hongqi car by the Chinese government for use during his two-day stay for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, reported India Today. The car is President Xi Jinping’s preferred mode of transport.&nbsp;The Hongqi L5 car was used by Xi when he visited PM Modi in Mahabalipuram in 2019.&nbsp;Hongqi, a symbol of "Made in China," was first manufactured in 1958 by the state-owned First Automotive Works (FAW) for the elite of the Communist Party of China (CPC).&nbsp;Modi-XI Meeting&nbsp;Earlier today Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1.&nbsp;During the bilateral meeting, both leaders underlined the importance of India-China ties amid global uncertainty. While PM Modi said trust, respect and sensitivity are key for the relationship and a strong bond between the two nations would bring ‘welfare for humanity’, the Chinese president said that both countries should work together to promote the ‘progress of human society.’&nbsp;Modi is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a few Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.&nbsp;The SCO is a group of 10-member countries that include India, China, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;List of world leaders attending the SCO summit&nbsp;<ul><li>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi</li><li>Russian President Vladimir Putin</li><li>Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian&nbsp;</li><li>Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan</li><li>Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing</li><li>Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli</li><li>Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto (Cancelled visit due to unrest in country)</li><li>Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim</li><li>Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif</li><li>Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu &nbsp;</li></ul>

Modi is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a few Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been provided with the symbolic "Made in China" Hongqi car by the Chinese government for use during his two-day stay for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, reported India Today. The car is President Xi Jinping’s preferred mode of transport. The Hongqi L5 car was used by Xi when he visited PM Modi in Mahabalipuram in 2019. Hongqi, a symbol of "Made in China," was first manufactured in 1958 by the state-owned First Automotive Works (FAW) for the elite of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Modi-XI Meeting Earlier today Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1. During the bilateral meeting, both leaders underlined the importance of India-China ties amid global uncertainty. While PM Modi said trust, respect and sensitivity are key for the relationship and a strong bond between the two nations would bring ‘welfare for humanity’, the Chinese president said that both countries should work together to promote the ‘progress of human society.’ Modi is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a few Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. The SCO is a group of 10-member countries that include India, China, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. List of world leaders attending the SCO summit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Russian President Vladimir Putin Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto (Cancelled visit due to unrest in country) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu

Modi is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a few Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.

Xi-Modi bonhomie on display at SCO as Chinese President's preferred car Hongqi given to Indian PM Modi for commute in Tianjin: Report

The sticking points between India and China revolve around territorial claims, particularly in border areas that include Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, differing interpretations of the McMahon Line, and numerous disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Sikkim, and other sectors. These disputes lead to border tensions, troop disengagements, and ongoing talks to manage the unresolved boundary.&nbsp;Delicate points such as the Yangtse and the Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh have become flashpoints, with China seeking access to patrol areas that India has long controlled. The tension further escalated when such demands were seen as attempts at incremental territorial encroachment, according to a report in the Financial Express.<h3>Border clashes and talks</h3>Incident of December 2022, the Yangtse skirmish, where troops clashed using improvised weapons, which served as grim reminders of how misjudged actions can spark serious conflict. As per the BBC report, despite military-level talks, tensions continue. Troops from both ends clashed for the first time in more than a year in December 2022 near the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh state, the eastern tip of India, where some soldiers suffered minor injuries.&nbsp;De-escalation work has taken place since a major clash in June 2020 during the Galwan Valley battle, where a fight took place with sticks and clubs, marking the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975.&nbsp;Another face-off in January 2021 took place near India's Sikkim state, between Bhutan and Nepal, where several troops on both sides were injured. Later, in September 2021, China accused India of firing shots at its troops. Then India accused China of firing into the air. However, both countries agreed to disengage from a disputed western Himalayan border area in the same month, according to a report in the BBC.&nbsp;Meanwhile, several rounds of border talks with both military and diplomatic, have been ongoing for the past few years. India and China have exchanged proposals, agreed upon some guiding principles since 2005, and followed through with multiple rounds of working-level and senior-official meetings. Yet, resolving the boundary question in any lasting, mutually agreeable way remains elusive.&nbsp;Later, the 2024 India-China Border Patrol Agreement was an agreement reached between the two countries to de-escalate tensions after the differences arose due to a clash between the nations in Galwan Valley on 15 June 2020. This Patrol agreement has enabled both countries to maintain their patrolling as it was before the year 2020.

India-China border tension escalated over territorial claims, particularly in border areas that include Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, differing interpretations of the McMahon Line, and numerous disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and Sikkim.

The sticking points between India and China revolve around territorial claims, particularly in border areas that include Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, differing interpretations of the McMahon Line, and numerous disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Sikkim, and other sectors. These disputes lead to border tensions, troop disengagements, and ongoing talks to manage the unresolved boundary. Delicate points such as the Yangtse and the Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh have become flashpoints, with China seeking access to patrol areas that India has long controlled. The tension further escalated when such demands were seen as attempts at incremental territorial encroachment, according to a report in the Financial Express. Border clashes and talks Incident of December 2022, the Yangtse skirmish, where troops clashed using improvised weapons, which served as grim reminders of how misjudged actions can spark serious conflict. As per the BBC report, despite military-level talks, tensions continue. Troops from both ends clashed for the first time in more than a year in December 2022 near the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh state, the eastern tip of India, where some soldiers suffered minor injuries. De-escalation work has taken place since a major clash in June 2020 during the Galwan Valley battle, where a fight took place with sticks and clubs, marking the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975. Another face-off in January 2021 took place near India's Sikkim state, between Bhutan and Nepal, where several troops on both sides were injured. Later, in September 2021, China accused India of firing shots at its troops. Then India accused China of firing into the air. However, both countries agreed to disengage from a disputed western Himalayan border area in the same month, according to a report in the BBC. Meanwhile, several rounds of border talks with both military and diplomatic, have been ongoing for the past few years. India and China have exchanged proposals, agreed upon some guiding principles since 2005, and followed through with multiple rounds of working-level and senior-official meetings. Yet, resolving the boundary question in any lasting, mutually agreeable way remains elusive. Later, the 2024 India-China Border Patrol Agreement was an agreement reached between the two countries to de-escalate tensions after the differences arose due to a clash between the nations in Galwan Valley on 15 June 2020. This Patrol agreement has enabled both countries to maintain their patrolling as it was before the year 2020.

India-China border tension escalated over territorial claims, particularly in border areas that include Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, differing interpretations of the McMahon Line, and numerous disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and Sikkim.

'Years of talks, no resolution': India–China disputes over border areas in Arunachal, Sikkim and Ladakh

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Tianjin on Aug 31, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the Russia-China ties and highlighted that both countries will work unitedly to strengthen the BRICS grouping. Putin's remark came amid US President Donald Trump's tariff threat against the grouping. The Russian president also slammed "discriminatory sanctions" that hinder socioeconomic development. He also praised China's role in the G20.&nbsp;In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Putin said, "We stand united in strengthening BRICS' ability to address pressing global challenges, share similar views on regional and international security, and take a common stand against discriminatory sanctions that hinder the socioeconomic development of our members and the world at large." He also said that China and Russia are working closely within BRICS to expand its role as a key pillar of global architecture. He said that the grouping is working to expand economic opportunities for member states. Highlighting that there should be equal access for all nations in forums like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the Russian president batted for reforming the "financial system" based on "true equity." Without naming the United States, he called the use of financial tools a form of “neo-colonialism.”&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-new-world-order-in-defiance-of-the-west-putin-xi-kim-will-be-in-photograph-when-they-attend-chinese-military-parade-together-1756364439983">A 'New world order' in defiance of the West? Putin, Xi, Kim will be in single photograph when they attend Chinese military parade together</a>&nbsp;"It is essential to end the use of finance as an instrument of neo-colonialism, which runs counter to the interests of the Global Majority. On the contrary, we seek progress for the benefit of all humanity," Putin was quoted by Xinhua. Calling Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia in May a "resounding success," Putin said that it had "deep symbolic significance to the further development of Russian-Chinese relations." He also said that he will visit China on the invitation of Xi Jinping. “We reaffirmed the strategic choice of our peoples in favor of strengthening the traditions of good-neighborliness, friendship, and long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.”&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-xi-jinping-hails-most-stable-ties-with-russia-ahead-of-putin-visit-1756207967263">China’s Xi Jinping hails ‘most stable’ ties with Russia ahead of Putin visit</a>&nbsp;Days ahead of the Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country's ties with Russia are the "most stable, mature and strategically significant" among major world powers. He also said that both countries should 'work together to safeguard the security and development interests.' He also said that Russia and China can unite the Global South and prove to be true multilateralists and a fair international order. In a phone call, Xi told Putin that China was happy to see the improving relations between Moscow and Washington, referring to the Alaska meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gonna-bomb-s-t-out-of-moscow-beijing-trump-told-putin-xi-jinping-bombshell-audio-reveals-1752045561641">'Gonna bomb s**t out of Moscow, Beijing': Trump told Putin, Xi Jinping - Bombshell audio REVEALS</a>

Ahead of the SCO Summit, Russia's President Vladimir Putin praised Russia-China ties and urged unity to strengthen BRICS. He slammed the sanctions as "neo-colonialism" and called for a fair financial system.

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Tianjin on Aug 31, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the Russia-China ties and highlighted that both countries will work unitedly to strengthen the BRICS grouping. Putin's remark came amid US President Donald Trump's tariff threat against the grouping. The Russian president also slammed "discriminatory sanctions" that hinder socioeconomic development. He also praised China's role in the G20. In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Putin said, "We stand united in strengthening BRICS' ability to address pressing global challenges, share similar views on regional and international security, and take a common stand against discriminatory sanctions that hinder the socioeconomic development of our members and the world at large." He also said that China and Russia are working closely within BRICS to expand its role as a key pillar of global architecture. He said that the grouping is working to expand economic opportunities for member states. Highlighting that there should be equal access for all nations in forums like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the Russian president batted for reforming the "financial system" based on "true equity." Without naming the United States, he called the use of financial tools a form of “neo-colonialism.” Read More | A 'New world order' in defiance of the West? Putin, Xi, Kim will be in single photograph when they attend Chinese military parade together "It is essential to end the use of finance as an instrument of neo-colonialism, which runs counter to the interests of the Global Majority. On the contrary, we seek progress for the benefit of all humanity," Putin was quoted by Xinhua. Calling Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia in May a "resounding success," Putin said that it had "deep symbolic significance to the further development of Russian-Chinese relations." He also said that he will visit China on the invitation of Xi Jinping. “We reaffirmed the strategic choice of our peoples in favor of strengthening the traditions of good-neighborliness, friendship, and long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.” Read More | China’s Xi Jinping hails ‘most stable’ ties with Russia ahead of Putin visit Days ahead of the Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country's ties with Russia are the "most stable, mature and strategically significant" among major world powers. He also said that both countries should 'work together to safeguard the security and development interests.' He also said that Russia and China can unite the Global South and prove to be true multilateralists and a fair international order. In a phone call, Xi told Putin that China was happy to see the improving relations between Moscow and Washington, referring to the Alaska meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump. Read More |'Gonna bomb s**t out of Moscow, Beijing': Trump told Putin, Xi Jinping - Bombshell audio REVEALS

Ahead of the SCO Summit, Russia's President Vladimir Putin praised Russia-China ties and urged unity to strengthen BRICS. He slammed the sanctions as "neo-colonialism" and called for a fair financial system.

Without naming Trump, Putin slams 'discriminatory sanctions' amid tariff war, bats for strengthening BRICS

After a five-year military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, August 31, 2025, ahead of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin, is likely to repair ties between India and China.&nbsp;Modi and Xi last met in the Russian city of Kazan in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit within 10 months, signals a special thrust to bilateral ties and a step-by-step stabilisation of the relationship.<h3>What are the past issues between India and China?</h3>The story of India-China relations dates back to 1950, when India became the first non-socialist country to recognise the People's Republic of China. Just a few years later, both nations signed the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954, promising mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence.&nbsp;But diplomacy between the nations collapsed after the 1962 border, which left behind deep mistrust. For several years, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has remained a disputed issues that include Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. However, both sides opted for technical mechanisms like confidence-building in 1993 and 1996 along with Special representatives meetings and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 2003 visit, but no permanent resolution emerged.&nbsp;Later, things became more complex after the 2017 military standoff at the Doklam Plateau, a disputed territory at the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan, as well as soldiers from both sides died during the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Both the recent past conflicts severely fractured trust, leading to mass infrastructure restrictions, bans on Chinese apps, and the halting of pilgrimages and direct flights.<h3>Equation and today's situation</h3>After all these rows, the Modi government made an effort to increase its relations with Beijing in October 2024. Both countries reached a crucial Border Patrol Agreement, restoring pre-2020 patterns and launching disengagement at hotspots like Depsang and Demchok, with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announcing the completion of disengagement in eastern Ladakh. This breakthrough enabled a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a report in The Print.&nbsp;By early 2025, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was a meaningful symbol of renewed mutual trust, but the Ministry of Jal Shakti has revealed in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by India Today that China has stopped sharing crucial hydrological data with India since 2022.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2025-from-five-nations-to-a-global-grouping-know-the-history-of-the-organisation-1756613420726">SCO Summit 2025: From five nations to a global grouping — Know the history of the organisation</a><h3>What changed?</h3>One key driver has been shifting geopolitics amid the rise of the US tariffs and uncertainty on Indian exports, which prompted India to explore strategic flexibility, resuming engagement with China even as underlying border tensions persisted. In mid-2025, border trade discussions, resumption of direct flights, and talks around easing FDI restrictions underscore the warming mood.&nbsp;And the current ongoing SCO summit, as well as 40 40-minute meetings with the Chinese President, depict a step closer to a better relationship between the nations, countering the US and European influence.&nbsp;However, challenges remain as the strategic posture of China, including its ties with Pakistan, regional infrastructure projects like CPEC, and hegemonic instincts in South Asia, remains a point of concern for India. Economic imbalances, trade deficit and lack of final border settlement continue to weigh on long-term trust.

After PM Modi and President Xi met in the Russian city of Kazan in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit showed a sign of thrust and a step-by-step stabilisation of the relationship.

After a five-year military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, August 31, 2025, ahead of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin, is likely to repair ties between India and China. Modi and Xi last met in the Russian city of Kazan in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit within 10 months, signals a special thrust to bilateral ties and a step-by-step stabilisation of the relationship. What are the past issues between India and China? The story of India-China relations dates back to 1950, when India became the first non-socialist country to recognise the People's Republic of China. Just a few years later, both nations signed the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954, promising mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence. But diplomacy between the nations collapsed after the 1962 border, which left behind deep mistrust. For several years, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has remained a disputed issues that include Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. However, both sides opted for technical mechanisms like confidence-building in 1993 and 1996 along with Special representatives meetings and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 2003 visit, but no permanent resolution emerged. Later, things became more complex after the 2017 military standoff at the Doklam Plateau, a disputed territory at the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan, as well as soldiers from both sides died during the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Both the recent past conflicts severely fractured trust, leading to mass infrastructure restrictions, bans on Chinese apps, and the halting of pilgrimages and direct flights. Equation and today's situation After all these rows, the Modi government made an effort to increase its relations with Beijing in October 2024. Both countries reached a crucial Border Patrol Agreement, restoring pre-2020 patterns and launching disengagement at hotspots like Depsang and Demchok, with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announcing the completion of disengagement in eastern Ladakh. This breakthrough enabled a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a report in The Print. By early 2025, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was a meaningful symbol of renewed mutual trust, but the Ministry of Jal Shakti has revealed in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by India Today that China has stopped sharing crucial hydrological data with India since 2022. Also read: SCO Summit 2025: From five nations to a global grouping — Know the history of the organisation What changed? One key driver has been shifting geopolitics amid the rise of the US tariffs and uncertainty on Indian exports, which prompted India to explore strategic flexibility, resuming engagement with China even as underlying border tensions persisted. In mid-2025, border trade discussions, resumption of direct flights, and talks around easing FDI restrictions underscore the warming mood. And the current ongoing SCO summit, as well as 40 40-minute meetings with the Chinese President, depict a step closer to a better relationship between the nations, countering the US and European influence. However, challenges remain as the strategic posture of China, including its ties with Pakistan, regional infrastructure projects like CPEC, and hegemonic instincts in South Asia, remains a point of concern for India. Economic imbalances, trade deficit and lack of final border settlement continue to weigh on long-term trust.

After PM Modi and President Xi met in the Russian city of Kazan in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit showed a sign of thrust and a step-by-step stabilisation of the relationship.

India and China relations: Past issues, equation and today's situation — what changed?

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?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. The much-awaited handshake between the two leaders, who were meeting after ten months, also happened. As the first visual of PM Modi and Xi Jinping's meeting was out, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were seen seated beside the Indian PM. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar was not a part of the meeting. The Modi-Xi handshake after the meeting, which lasted for almost an hour, can prove to be a new momentum in the India-China relationship amid global uncertainty.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Sharing my remarks during meeting with President Xi Jinping. <a href="https://t.co/pw1OAMBWdc">https://t.co/pw1OAMBWdc</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1962012857748570565?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/photos/from-wuhan-spirit-to-border-standoff-to-tariff-war-timeline-of-shifting-dynamics-of-modi-xi-relationship-ahead-of-sco-summit-1756567521123">From Wuhan spirit to border standoff to tariff war: Timeline of shifting dynamics of Modi–Xi relationship ahead of SCO Summit</a><h2>What PM Modi said during the bilateral meeting?</h2>During the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that an agreement was reached between the two nations for border management. He appreciated that Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights have resumed between two nations. He also underlined the importance of cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting comes as the world reels under the effect of Trump's tariff war. The Indian Prime Minister congratulated the Chinese Premier on China’s successful SCO chairmanship and thanked him for the invitation to visit China. He emphasised that "vishwas, samman aur samvedanshilta" (trust, respect and sensitivity) are key for successful India-China relationship. He also added that their meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Kazan was “very fruitful” and “gave a positive direction” to the relations. "After the disengagement on the border, an atmosphere of peace and stability has been created," he said.&nbsp;Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-happened-when-indian-pm-modi-and-china-s-xi-jinping-held-informal-summits-in-wuhan-and-mamallapuram-1756189187935">What happened when Indian PM Modi and China's Xi Jinping held informal summits</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"An agreement has been reached between our Special Representatives regarding border management. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed. Direct flights between the two countries are also being resumed. The interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation. This will also pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity. We are committed to taking our relations forward on the basis of mutual trust, respect and sensitivity," PM Modi said.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sea-side-diplomacy-coconut-water-and-candid-chats-what-happened-when-china-s-xi-jinping-met-pm-modi-in-veshti-in-india-informal-mamallapuram-summit-1756020057717">Sea-side diplomacy, coconut water and candid chats: What happened when China's Xi Jinping met PM Modi in India for informal summit</a><h2>What Chinese Premier Xi Jinping said?</h2>Chinese President Xi Jinping says, "... China and India are two ancient civilisations in the East. We are the world's two most populous countries, and we are also important members of the Global South. We both shoulder the historical responsibility of improving the well-being of our two peoples, promoting the solidarity and rejuvenation of developing countries, and promoting the progress of human society. It is the right choice for both countries to be friends who have good neighbourly and amicable ties, partners who enable each other's success, and to have the dragon and the elephant come together."&nbsp;

Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Their handshake marks the first visuals of the meeting and could signal a potential shift or renewed momentum in India-China relations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. The much-awaited handshake between the two leaders, who were meeting after ten months, also happened. As the first visual of PM Modi and Xi Jinping's meeting was out, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were seen seated beside the Indian PM. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar was not a part of the meeting. The Modi-Xi handshake after the meeting, which lasted for almost an hour, can prove to be a new momentum in the India-China relationship amid global uncertainty.

Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Their handshake marks the first visuals of the meeting and could signal a potential shift or renewed momentum in India-China relations.

'Welfare of entire humanity': PM Modi explains importance of India-China ties in meeting with Xi Jinping

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China from August 31 to September 1 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, will mark his first trip since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The visit signals an increase in diplomatic ties with Beijing amid rising tensions with Washington over the Trump tariff war. World leaders' gathering in China for the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation depicts a significant step toward building a group that could counter Western influence.&nbsp;<h3>What is the History of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?</h3>Formed in 2001 in Shanghai, SCO has emerged as one of the most influential regional groupings in the world, reflecting the changing dynamics of global power. It began with six founding members, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over the years, the organisation has expanded its reach, with India and Pakistan joining in 2017, followed by Iran gaining full membership in 2023 and Belarus in 2024. Stretching across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, the SCO covers nearly half the world's population and a large share of global GDP.&nbsp;At the initial stage, SCO evolved from the Shanghai Five (China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan), a security mechanism established in 1996 to resolve border issues. Later, with the addition of Uzbekistan in 2001, the group was transformed into the SCO in Shanghai, with a broader mandate for regional security, economic, and political cooperation. The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and entered into force on September 19, 2003, making it a permanent international organisation.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>&nbsp;Basically, the SCO was established to strengthen trust and foster co-operation among neighbouring countries, particularly in areas of security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. The early years of the organisation were focused on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. However, its roles have significantly broadened after India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus joined it.&nbsp;One of the unique aspects of the SCO is its diversity, which could bring together countries with different political systems, cultural backgrounds, and sometimes conflicting interests.

The early years of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) were focused on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. However, its roles have significantly widened after India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus joined it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China from August 31 to September 1 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, will mark his first trip since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The visit signals an increase in diplomatic ties with Beijing amid rising tensions with Washington over the Trump tariff war. World leaders' gathering in China for the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation depicts a significant step toward building a group that could counter Western influence. What is the History of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)? Formed in 2001 in Shanghai, SCO has emerged as one of the most influential regional groupings in the world, reflecting the changing dynamics of global power. It began with six founding members, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over the years, the organisation has expanded its reach, with India and Pakistan joining in 2017, followed by Iran gaining full membership in 2023 and Belarus in 2024. Stretching across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, the SCO covers nearly half the world's population and a large share of global GDP. At the initial stage, SCO evolved from the Shanghai Five (China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan), a security mechanism established in 1996 to resolve border issues. Later, with the addition of Uzbekistan in 2001, the group was transformed into the SCO in Shanghai, with a broader mandate for regional security, economic, and political cooperation. The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and entered into force on September 19, 2003, making it a permanent international organisation. Also read: SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU? Basically, the SCO was established to strengthen trust and foster co-operation among neighbouring countries, particularly in areas of security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. The early years of the organisation were focused on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. However, its roles have significantly broadened after India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus joined it. One of the unique aspects of the SCO is its diversity, which could bring together countries with different political systems, cultural backgrounds, and sometimes conflicting interests.

The early years of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) were focused on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. However, its roles have significantly widened after India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus joined it.

SCO Summit 2025: From five nations to a global grouping — Know the history of the organisation

At informal summits in Wuhan (2018) and Mamallapuram (2019), Indian PM Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping aimed to ease tensions and enhance cooperation. Though there were no joint statements or formal agreements, both leaders agreed to focus on border peace

Modi-Xi meeting begins: What happened when Indian PM and Chinese president met for informal summits

The internet went into a frenzy on Aug 30 over US President Donald Trump's alleged death. Wild theories floated to substantiate the 'Trump is dead' trend. Claims ranged from Trump's disappearance from the public eye to a half-mast flag at the White House to a video clip from the iconic TV show The Simpsons. &nbsp;However, all the rumours were quashed when Trump was pictured on August 30 at about 8:45 a.m. in a white polo shirt, black pants, and a red "MAGA" hat, along with his granddaughter, Kai Trump, and grandson, Spencer Frederick Trump, as they headed to his golf club in Sterling, Virginia. Ideally, the rumour mill should have been silent after his picture surfaced, except that it was not. Now, a new ‘body-double’ theory is taking over the internet.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-was-trump-last-seen-know-us-president-s-whereabouts-as-trump-dead-rumours-swirl-online-1756562354331">When was Trump last seen? Know US president's whereabouts as ‘Trump dead’ rumours swirl online</a><h2>Body double theory and Trump</h2>After Trump's reappearance, X users claimed that it was his body double who was pictured, and the real US president might be dead. Taking their claims further, X users pointed out that Trump's hand, which usually is bruised or shows incoherent make-up, has no such signs. Another user claimed that the mark on the ear of Trump after he was attacked in July last year was not visible. After Trump's reappearance, X users claimed that it was his body double who was pictured and the real US president might be dead. Taking their claims further, X users pointed out that Trump's hand, which usually is bruised or shows incoherent make-up, has no such signs. Another user claimed that the mark on the ear of Trump after he was attacked in July last year was not visible. A post on X also claimed that Trump has at least seven body doubles. The 'body-double' theory also floated when Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250831/image-1756610762167.png"></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250831/image-1756610790202.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250831/image-1756610724633.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250831/image-1756610737738.png"></figure>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-is-dead-trends-on-musk-s-x-netizens-ask-about-us-president-s-whereabouts-donald-trump-terrible-tragedy-jd-vance-1756534455315">'Trump is dead' trends on Musk's X, netizens ask about US President's whereabouts</a>&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-the-simpsons-predict-us-president-s-death-in-2025-clip-resurfaces-amid-trump-is-dead-trend-donald-trump-news-1756547362127">Did The Simpsons predict US president's death in 2025? Clip resurfaces amid 'Trump is dead' trend</a>&nbsp;

Rumours of Donald Trump's death went viral on Aug 30, fueled by online theories and a resurfaced Simpsons clip. Despite being seen in Virginia with his grandkids, some X users claim it was a body double, citing missing marks on his hand and ear. 

The internet went into a frenzy on Aug 30 over US President Donald Trump's alleged death. Wild theories floated to substantiate the 'Trump is dead' trend. Claims ranged from Trump's disappearance from the public eye to a half-mast flag at the White House to a video clip from the iconic TV show The Simpsons. However, all the rumours were quashed when Trump was pictured on August 30 at about 8:45 a.m. in a white polo shirt, black pants, and a red "MAGA" hat, along with his granddaughter, Kai Trump, and grandson, Spencer Frederick Trump, as they headed to his golf club in Sterling, Virginia. Ideally, the rumour mill should have been silent after his picture surfaced, except that it was not. Now, a new ‘body-double’ theory is taking over the internet. Read More | When was Trump last seen? Know US president's whereabouts as ‘Trump dead’ rumours swirl online Body double theory and Trump After Trump's reappearance, X users claimed that it was his body double who was pictured, and the real US president might be dead. Taking their claims further, X users pointed out that Trump's hand, which usually is bruised or shows incoherent make-up, has no such signs. Another user claimed that the mark on the ear of Trump after he was attacked in July last year was not visible. After Trump's reappearance, X users claimed that it was his body double who was pictured and the real US president might be dead. Taking their claims further, X users pointed out that Trump's hand, which usually is bruised or shows incoherent make-up, has no such signs. Another user claimed that the mark on the ear of Trump after he was attacked in July last year was not visible. A post on X also claimed that Trump has at least seven body doubles. The 'body-double' theory also floated when Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month. Read More | 'Trump is dead' trends on Musk's X, netizens ask about US President's whereabouts Read More | Did The Simpsons predict US president's death in 2025? Clip resurfaces amid 'Trump is dead' trend

Rumours of Donald Trump's death went viral on Aug 30, fueled by online theories and a resurfaced Simpsons clip. Despite being seen in Virginia with his grandkids, some X users claim it was a body double, citing missing marks on his hand and ear.&nbsp;

Internet refuses to believe 'Trump is dead' trend was fake, floats 'body-double' theory citing ear mark, hand bruise

Andriy Parubiy, a nationalist Ukrainian lawmaker, was shot dead on Saturday (Aug 30) in what is believed to be a "carefully planned" attack in the western city of Lviv. Parubiy, a current MP and the former chair of Ukraine's parliament, was shot several times with a short-barrelled, said the police. The killer is still on the loose and has yet to be identified. Condemning the "horrendous murder" on social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that it was "carefully planned". He added that "All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer."&nbsp;<h2>What happened?</h2>54-year-old Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in the Ukrainian city of Lviv. Ukrainian officials, as per a Telegraph report, have hinted at Russian involvement in the assassination.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-becomes-ukraine-s-biggest-diesel-supplier-as-trump-wages-tariff-war-on-new-delhi-over-russian-oil-1756541739906">India becomes Ukraine's biggest diesel supplier, as Trump wages tariff war on New Delhi over&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;oil</a>&nbsp;Around noon on Saturday, Parubiy was shot dead by a gunman on an electric bike. Reports suggest that the killer was dressed as a delivery driver and had their face covered with a helmet. The shooter followed Parubiy on the street before opening fire and ultimately fleeing the scene.<h2>A carefully planned assassination</h2>In a statement, the prosecutor general's office said, "An unidentified man fired several shots at the politician, killing Andriy Parubiy on the spot".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-modi-s-snub-over-trump-s-nobel-peace-prize-push-lead-to-50-tariffs-for-india-shocking-report-claims-this-1756605189312">Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego?</a>&nbsp;On X, Zelensky described the crime as "carefully planned" and said that "All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko have just reported the first known circumstances of the horrendous murder in Lviv. Andriy Parubiy was killed. My condolences to his family and loved ones. All necessary forces and means…&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1961727262799155484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kyrylo Budanov, Kyiv’s intelligence chief, meanwhile, has claimed that the Ukrainian leader was "killed by enemy bullets". However, he did not elaborate. Meanwhile, Andriy Sadovyi, mayor of Lviv said that finding the killer was of the utmost importance, insisting, "This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places".&nbsp;<h2>Who was Andriy Parubiy?</h2>Andriy Parubiy was a well-known politician who served as a member of the Ukrainian parliament from 2007 until his death. He also served as speaker from 2016 until 2019.&nbsp;Parubiy co-founded the Social-National Party of Ukraine in 1991, later leaving the group. He is known to have participated in the 2004 Orange Revolution, joining hundreds of thousands in peaceful protest following disputed elections. The Ukrainian leader was also a notable figure in the 2013 Maidan Revolution, which was triggered by the then-President Viktor Yanukovych's refusal to sign a trade pact with the European Union, and opting to build closer ties with Russia instead.

Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in Lviv, a killing President Zelensky called a "carefully planned" attack. The unidentified gunman, reportedly on an e-bike, is still at large. Kyrylo Budanov, Kyiv’s intelligence chief, has hinted at Russia's involvement.

Andriy Parubiy, a nationalist Ukrainian lawmaker, was shot dead on Saturday (Aug 30) in what is believed to be a "carefully planned" attack in the western city of Lviv. Parubiy, a current MP and the former chair of Ukraine's parliament, was shot several times with a short-barrelled, said the police. The killer is still on the loose and has yet to be identified. Condemning the "horrendous murder" on social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that it was "carefully planned". He added that "All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer." What happened? 54-year-old Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in the Ukrainian city of Lviv. Ukrainian officials, as per a Telegraph report, have hinted at Russian involvement in the assassination. Also read | India becomes Ukraine's biggest diesel supplier, as Trump wages tariff war on New Delhi over Russian oil Around noon on Saturday, Parubiy was shot dead by a gunman on an electric bike. Reports suggest that the killer was dressed as a delivery driver and had their face covered with a helmet. The shooter followed Parubiy on the street before opening fire and ultimately fleeing the scene. A carefully planned assassination In a statement, the prosecutor general's office said, "An unidentified man fired several shots at the politician, killing Andriy Parubiy on the spot". Also read | Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego? On X, Zelensky described the crime as "carefully planned" and said that "All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation".

Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in Lviv, a killing President Zelensky called a "carefully planned" attack. The unidentified gunman, reportedly on an e-bike, is still at large. Kyrylo Budanov, Kyiv’s intelligence chief, has hinted at Russia's involvement.

Prominent Ukrainian leader Andriy Parubiy 'shot dead by monsters' in Lyiv, Zelensky condemns 'horrendous murder'

Months after Israel claimed the elimination of Hamas chief Mohammad Sinwar, the Palestinian militant group's Gaza chief confirmed his death. While Hamas did not reveal the details of how he was killed and when, it did publish a picture of Sinwar along with other Hamas soldiers, naming them as 'martyrs.'Hams hinted that after Sinwar, his close associate Izz al-Din Haddad is expected to oversee the operations of Hamas' armed wing throughout the Gaza enclave. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on May 28, announced that the Israeli military had killed Hamas Gaza chief Muhammad Sinwar in an air strike on May 13.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hostages-at-same-risks-as-hamas-palestinian-militant-group-warns-as-israel-intensifies-offensive-in-gaza-1756490847951">Hostages at ‘same risks’ as Hamas: Palestinian militant group warns as Israel intensifies offensive in Gaza</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-remember-october-7-israel-shares-shocking-clip-amid-gaza-crisis-1756529022240/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-remember-october-7-israel-shares-shocking-clip-amid-gaza-crisis-1756529022240/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Who was Mohammad Sinwar?</h2>Mohammad Sinwar was the brother of slain former chief Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military in October 2024 during a firefight in the Palestine enclave. Mohammad Sinwar, was nicknamed 'the shadow' for his secretive activities. He came into prominence after the abduction of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006. This led to the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in which 1027 prisoners were released in exchange for Shalit. Under this deal, Israel had to release Yahya Sinwar, who was serving a life sentence in an Israeli jail for kidnapping Isareli soldiers in 1989. Since then, he has played a crucial role in handling Hamas' 'behind-the-scenes' planning. Ahead of his killing in May this year, Israel had placed a $300,000 bounty on him.&nbsp;Born in a Khan Younis refugee camp in 1975, Sinwar's family fled from Al-Majdal Asqalan during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. He joined the military movement of Hamas in 1991. In the same year, he was arrested by Israel on charges of terrorism but was released within a year. Around the same time, he was also arrested by the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. It was only in 2005 that he became the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis brigade. As per reports, he had survived as many as six assassination attempts by the IDF till May 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-calls-israel-s-justification-of-killing-journalists-baseless-and-an-attempt-to-evade-legal-responsibility-1756239098616">Hamas calls Israel’s justification of killing journalists ‘baseless’ and an attempt to evade legal responsibility</a>&nbsp;Israel's latest offensive on Hamas&nbsp;An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Saturday afternoon reportedly targeted Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamas's military wing. The strike hit near a local bakery in Gaza City, with initial reports from the territory saying more than ten people were killed.On Friday, Abu Obeida issued a statement warning Israel against moving to seize Gaza City, while also threatening the safety of Israeli hostages held in the enclave.As details are still being verified, it remains unclear whether Abu Obeida was indeed eliminated in the strike. The IDF said the operation was carried out with precision munitions and aerial surveillance, aiming to minimise civilian casualties. The military added that the strike followed specific intelligence received by the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence shortly before the attack. (ANI/TPS)&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-remember-october-7-and-so-should-you-israel-releases-harrowing-clip-from-hamas-attack-days-after-un-declares-gaza-famine-1756515438561">'We remember October 7, and so should you': Israel releases harrowing clip from Hamas attack days</a> &nbsp;

Hamas confirms the death of Gaza chief Mohammad Sinwar, months after Israel claimed his killing in a May 13 airstrike. Known as 'the shadow,' Sinwar played a key role in Hamas operations. His close aide, Izz al-Din Haddad, is expected to succeed him

Months after Israel claimed the elimination of Hamas chief Mohammad Sinwar, the Palestinian militant group's Gaza chief confirmed his death. While Hamas did not reveal the details of how he was killed and when, it did publish a picture of Sinwar along with other Hamas soldiers, naming them as 'martyrs.'Hams hinted that after Sinwar, his close associate Izz al-Din Haddad is expected to oversee the operations of Hamas' armed wing throughout the Gaza enclave. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on May 28, announced that the Israeli military had killed Hamas Gaza chief Muhammad Sinwar in an air strike on May 13. Read More | Hostages at ‘same risks’ as Hamas: Palestinian militant group warns as Israel intensifies offensive in Gaza https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-remember-october-7-israel-shares-shocking-clip-amid-gaza-crisis-1756529022240/embed Who was Mohammad Sinwar? Mohammad Sinwar was the brother of slain former chief Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military in October 2024 during a firefight in the Palestine enclave. Mohammad Sinwar, was nicknamed 'the shadow' for his secretive activities. He came into prominence after the abduction of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006. This led to the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in which 1027 prisoners were released in exchange for Shalit. Under this deal, Israel had to release Yahya Sinwar, who was serving a life sentence in an Israeli jail for kidnapping Isareli soldiers in 1989. Since then, he has played a crucial role in handling Hamas' 'behind-the-scenes' planning. Ahead of his killing in May this year, Israel had placed a $300,000 bounty on him. Born in a Khan Younis refugee camp in 1975, Sinwar's family fled from Al-Majdal Asqalan during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. He joined the military movement of Hamas in 1991. In the same year, he was arrested by Israel on charges of terrorism but was released within a year. Around the same time, he was also arrested by the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. It was only in 2005 that he became the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis brigade. As per reports, he had survived as many as six assassination attempts by the IDF till May 2021. Read More | Hamas calls Israel’s justification of killing journalists ‘baseless’ and an attempt to evade legal responsibility Israel's latest offensive on Hamas An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Saturday afternoon reportedly targeted Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamas's military wing. The strike hit near a local bakery in Gaza City, with initial reports from the territory saying more than ten people were killed.On Friday, Abu Obeida issued a statement warning Israel against moving to seize Gaza City, while also threatening the safety of Israeli hostages held in the enclave. As details are still being verified, it remains unclear whether Abu Obeida was indeed eliminated in the strike. The IDF said the operation was carried out with precision munitions and aerial surveillance, aiming to minimise civilian casualties. The military added that the strike followed specific intelligence received by the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence shortly before the attack. (ANI/TPS) Read More | 'We remember October 7, and so should you': Israel releases harrowing clip from Hamas attack days

Hamas confirms the death of Gaza chief Mohammad Sinwar, months after Israel claimed his killing in a May 13 airstrike. Known as 'the shadow,' Sinwar played a key role in Hamas operations. His close aide, Izz al-Din Haddad, is expected to succeed him

Hamas confirms its Gaza military chief Mohammad Sinwar was killed by Israel: Who was he and who will succeed him

World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are gathering in China for the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The summit comes at a time of global tension, with wars and US President Donald Trump’s policies adding to uncertainty. Many see this meeting as important for building a group that could balance Western influence.&nbsp;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>Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances?</h2>Two groupings, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS, have grown in size and influence in recent years. Both present themselves as voices of the Global South and as platforms to promote a multipolar world, one less dominated by the US and Europe. The SCO, formed in 2001, now has 10 members, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan and Central Asian states, with Belarus joining in 2023. BRICS, created in 2009, has expanded to 11 countries, stretching across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Together, they cover nearly half the world’s population and a large share of global GDP.<h2>SCO: Unity with limits</h2>The SCO began as a security forum but has since expanded into economic and political cooperation. It has staged joint anti-terror drills, launched an anti-terror structure in Tashkent, and in 2024, held its first full counter-terrorism exercise using drones and robotics.Economically, SCO members discuss energy corridors, trade and investment, often linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The 2024 Astana summit saw the launch of an SCO Investors Association to support cross-border projects.Diplomatically, the SCO echoes the language of China and Russia, sovereignty, non-interference, and rejection of Western-backed “colour revolutions”. Yet deep divides persist. India and Pakistan rarely align, and India often resists anti-Western declarations. As a result, the SCO acts more as a forum than a unified bloc.<h2>BRICS: Financial tools against Western dominance</h2>BRICS started with five members (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and has grown to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, the UAE and soon Saudi Arabia. Together, they account for a quarter of global GDP. BRICS has launched its own financial institutions, the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, to rival the IMF and World Bank. The bank has issued loans in local currencies, aiming to reduce reliance on the US dollar. Ideas like BRICS Pay, a blockchain-based payment system, are meant to promote trade in members’ currencies.Diplomatically, BRICS seeks to amplify the Global South's voice. At the 2025 Rio summit, leaders called for UN Security Council reform, fairer IMF voting rights, and stronger cooperation on infrastructure. Yet the group faces limits: its members often disagree, especially on Russia’s war in Ukraine, and many remain deeply tied to Western markets.<h2>Western blocs remain more integrated</h2>Compared with the SCO and BRICS, Western alliances like NATO, the EU and the G7 remain more tightly bound. NATO is a military alliance with a collective defence clause and integrated command. The EU has a single market and currency. The G7, though informal, coordinates major economies on sanctions, climate policy and global trade.These Western blocs have deeper structures, stronger enforcement, and higher economic integration than either the SCO or BRICS. While SCO and BRICS issue joint communiqués, they lack the ability to enforce common policies.<h2>Counterweight or counterpart?</h2>Both blocs have expanded their reach: SCO now extends through Eurasia, and BRICS spans Africa, Asia, and beyond. They have established parallel institutions (e.g. SCO’s Regional Antiterrorist Structure; BRICS’s NDB and payment platforms) and issue coordinated messages on global issues. However, major limitations remain. Neither the SCO nor BRICS is a unified military or economic bloc on the model of NATO or the EU. SCO members actively avoid a NATO-like alliance, and BRICS has explicitly stopped short of a common defence structure.Many BRICS economies remain heavily tied to Western markets trade with the US and EU is still a large share of their GDP, which limits how far they can economically decouple.Meanwhile, Western alliances retain deeper integration where it counts, NATO, EU and G7 coordinate security, trade, and technology at a level that SCO and BRICS do not. NATO’s new defence commitments and the EU’s internal market dwarf the SCO’s or BRICS’s loose frameworks. Western unity also remains a comparative advantage: for now, the G7 and EU speak with a largely coherent voice on sanctions and trade (despite occasional US–Europe differences), whereas SCO and BRICS statements often have key absences.Both the SCO and BRICS will have carved out space for non-Western voices and offered alternatives in finance and diplomacy. Yet they have not fully crystallised into viable counterweights on all dimensions. Their collective influence is real but constrained, substantial at the level of ideas and joint declarations, but limited in military capability and practical cohesion. In the coming years, whether SCO and BRICS mature into true counter-blocs will depend on how (and if) they bridge their internal divides and turn summits into coordinated action.

World leaders meet in China for the SCO summit, as SCO and BRICS expand influence, uniting half the world’s population and challenging Western dominance with calls for a multipolar order.

World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are gathering in China for the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The summit comes at a time of global tension, with wars and US President Donald Trump’s policies adding to uncertainty. Many see this meeting as important for building a group that could balance Western influence. Also read: 'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change Indo-Pacific balance? Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances? Two groupings, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS, have grown in size and influence in recent years. Both present themselves as voices of the Global South and as platforms to promote a multipolar world, one less dominated by the US and Europe. The SCO, formed in 2001, now has 10 members, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan and Central Asian states, with Belarus joining in 2023. BRICS, created in 2009, has expanded to 11 countries, stretching across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Together, they cover nearly half the world’s population and a large share of global GDP. SCO: Unity with limits The SCO began as a security forum but has since expanded into economic and political cooperation. It has staged joint anti-terror drills, launched an anti-terror structure in Tashkent, and in 2024, held its first full counter-terrorism exercise using drones and robotics. Economically, SCO members discuss energy corridors, trade and investment, often linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The 2024 Astana summit saw the launch of an SCO Investors Association to support cross-border projects. Diplomatically, the SCO echoes the language of China and Russia, sovereignty, non-interference, and rejection of Western-backed “colour revolutions”. Yet deep divides persist. India and Pakistan rarely align, and India often resists anti-Western declarations. As a result, the SCO acts more as a forum than a unified bloc. BRICS: Financial tools against Western dominance BRICS started with five members (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and has grown to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, the UAE and soon Saudi Arabia. Together, they account for a quarter of global GDP. BRICS has launched its own financial institutions, the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, to rival the IMF and World Bank. The bank has issued loans in local currencies, aiming to reduce reliance on the US dollar. Ideas like BRICS Pay, a blockchain-based payment system, are meant to promote trade in members’ currencies. Diplomatically, BRICS seeks to amplify the Global South's voice. At the 2025 Rio summit, leaders called for UN Security Council reform, fairer IMF voting rights, and stronger cooperation on infrastructure. Yet the group faces limits: its members often disagree, especially on Russia’s war in Ukraine, and many remain deeply tied to Western markets. Western blocs remain more integrated Compared with the SCO and BRICS, Western alliances like NATO, the EU and the G7 remain more tightly bound. NATO is a military alliance with a collective defence clause and integrated command. The EU has a single market and currency. The G7, though informal, coordinates major economies on sanctions, climate policy and global trade. These Western blocs have deeper structures, stronger enforcement, and higher economic integration than either the SCO or BRICS. While SCO and BRICS issue joint communiqués, they lack the ability to enforce common policies. Counterweight or counterpart? Both blocs have expanded their reach: SCO now extends through Eurasia, and BRICS spans Africa, Asia, and beyond. They have established parallel institutions (e.g. SCO’s Regional Antiterrorist Structure; BRICS’s NDB and payment platforms) and issue coordinated messages on global issues. However, major limitations remain. Neither the SCO nor BRICS is a unified military or economic bloc on the model of NATO or the EU. SCO members actively avoid a NATO-like alliance, and BRICS has explicitly stopped short of a common defence structure. Many BRICS economies remain heavily tied to Western markets trade with the US and EU is still a large share of their GDP, which limits how far they can economically decouple. Meanwhile, Western alliances retain deeper integration where it counts, NATO, EU and G7 coordinate security, trade, and technology at a level that SCO and BRICS do not. NATO’s new defence commitments and the EU’s internal market dwarf the SCO’s or BRICS’s loose frameworks. Western unity also remains a comparative advantage: for now, the G7 and EU speak with a largely coherent voice on sanctions and trade (despite occasional US–Europe differences), whereas SCO and BRICS statements often have key absences. Both the SCO and BRICS will have carved out space for non-Western voices and offered alternatives in finance and diplomacy. Yet they have not fully crystallised into viable counterweights on all dimensions. Their collective influence is real but constrained, substantial at the level of ideas and joint declarations, but limited in military capability and practical cohesion. In the coming years, whether SCO and BRICS mature into true counter-blocs will depend on how (and if) they bridge their internal divides and turn summits into coordinated action.

World leaders meet in China for the SCO summit, as SCO and BRICS expand influence, uniting half the world’s population and challenging Western dominance with calls for a multipolar order.

SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU?

Is PM Narendra Modi's refusal that Donald Trump was behind the ceasefire between India and Pakistan the reason for the excessive tariffs imposed on New Delhi by Washington? According to a recent report, in June, US President Trump called Modi and apparently hinted that he deserved credit for halting military hostilities between neighbours India and Pakistan the previous month. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he “solved” the crisis, mentioned how Islamabad was going to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize and not-so-subtly implied that New Delhi should also endorse him.<h2>Trump, the Nobel Peace Prize, and India's refusal to give him any credit for the ceasefire</h2>In May, a conflict had broken out between the two neighbours after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terror bases in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack. After four days of military conflict, India announced a ceasefire following talks between the two armies.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-satanic-trump-white-house-portrait-sets-internet-on-fire-netizens-call-it-his-most-honest-image-yet-compare-potus-to-hitler-1755752441076">‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler</a>Ever since, POTUS Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for ending the hostilities between India and Pakistan. As per a New York Times report, citing people familiar with the matter, the US President reiterated his claims in a call with PM Modi on June 17, and launched a not-so-subtle bid to get India to nominate him for Nobel Peace Prize. The White House never acknowledged the June 17 call, and Trump did not post about it on social media.&nbsp; However, according to the report, Modi pushed back during the call, telling Trump that the ceasefire was arranged directly between New Delhi and Islamabad without US involvement. The next day, in a statement to the press, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Modi told Trump "clearly" that during the conflict "no talks were held at any level on the mediation between India and Pakistan by America". Misri added that "The talks regarding cessation of military action were held directly between India and Pakistan under the existing channels established between both militaries".Despite Modi’s position, the Times said Trump brushed aside the comments and emphasised his own role, even noting that Pakistan was planning to nominate him for the Nobel. The suggestion that Modi should do the same reportedly added to strains in their relationship.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/taylor-swift-engaged-to-travis-kelce-and-even-trump-is-suddenly-nice-to-her-potus-finds-love-for-popstar-after-months-of-hate-says-this-1756257878135">Taylor Swift engaged to Travis Kelce; Trump finds love for popstar after months of HATE</a><h2>Reciprocal tariffs or retaliatory tariffs?</h2>To India's surprise, just weeks after the June 17 phone call and PM Modi's dismissal of Trump's role in solving the conflict, the US announced that India would be subject to a 25 per cent tariff. This reciprocal duty was followed by another 25 per cent penalty for New Delhi's purchase of discounted Russian oil. The moves strained bilateral ties further, even as talks on a trade agreement were still underway.Meanwhile, Trump has continued to publicly argue that he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping conflicts, including what he claims was a US-brokered halt to fighting between India and Pakistan. “I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do,” he posted in June.

A shocking new report suggests that Trump’s new 50% tariffs on India may be retaliation for PM Modi's refusal to credit him with ending military hostilities with Pakistan. During a June phone call, Trump reportedly sought a Nobel Peace Prize endorsement, which Modi denied.

Is PM Narendra Modi's refusal that Donald Trump was behind the ceasefire between India and Pakistan the reason for the excessive tariffs imposed on New Delhi by Washington? According to a recent report, in June, US President Trump called Modi and apparently hinted that he deserved credit for halting military hostilities between neighbours India and Pakistan the previous month. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he “solved” the crisis, mentioned how Islamabad was going to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize and not-so-subtly implied that New Delhi should also endorse him. Trump, the Nobel Peace Prize, and India's refusal to give him any credit for the ceasefire In May, a conflict had broken out between the two neighbours after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terror bases in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack. After four days of military conflict, India announced a ceasefire following talks between the two armies. Also read | ‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler Ever since, POTUS Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for ending the hostilities between India and Pakistan. As per a New York Times report, citing people familiar with the matter, the US President reiterated his claims in a call with PM Modi on June 17, and launched a not-so-subtle bid to get India to nominate him for Nobel Peace Prize. The White House never acknowledged the June 17 call, and Trump did not post about it on social media. However, according to the report, Modi pushed back during the call, telling Trump that the ceasefire was arranged directly between New Delhi and Islamabad without US involvement. The next day, in a statement to the press, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Modi told Trump "clearly" that during the conflict "no talks were held at any level on the mediation between India and Pakistan by America". Misri added that "The talks regarding cessation of military action were held directly between India and Pakistan under the existing channels established between both militaries". Despite Modi’s position, the Times said Trump brushed aside the comments and emphasised his own role, even noting that Pakistan was planning to nominate him for the Nobel. The suggestion that Modi should do the same reportedly added to strains in their relationship. Also read | Taylor Swift engaged to Travis Kelce; Trump finds love for popstar after months of HATE Reciprocal tariffs or retaliatory tariffs? To India's surprise, just weeks after the June 17 phone call and PM Modi's dismissal of Trump's role in solving the conflict, the US announced that India would be subject to a 25 per cent tariff. This reciprocal duty was followed by another 25 per cent penalty for New Delhi's purchase of discounted Russian oil. The moves strained bilateral ties further, even as talks on a trade agreement were still underway. Meanwhile, Trump has continued to publicly argue that he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping conflicts, including what he claims was a US-brokered halt to fighting between India and Pakistan. “I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do,” he posted in June.

A shocking new report suggests that Trump’s new 50% tariffs on India may be retaliation for PM Modi's refusal to credit him with ending military hostilities with Pakistan. During a June phone call, Trump reportedly sought a Nobel Peace Prize endorsement, which Modi denied.

Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, announced the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday (Aug 22). From August 29-30, he will be in Japan, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba. Following that, from August 31 to September 1, at the invitation of China's President Xi Jinping, PM Modi will travel to China. There he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. As the Indian PM prepares to attend the latest SCO meet, let's have a look at the military might of the SCO nations.<h2>SCO nations' combined military might</h2>Currently, the SCO membership consists of 10 nations — India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017. During 2022-23, India held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO.The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation does not have a collective military. However, as per World Population Review, two of the organisation's member nations, India and China, are among the top five nations with the largest active military.Scroll down to check out the individual military numbers of SCO nations.<h2>India</h2>India boasts the second-largest active military personnel as of 2024. World Population Review data shows that, as of last year, India had 1,475,750 active military personnel, with 1,155,000 more military reserve personnel, and 1,616,050 paramilitary personnel.<h2>China</h2>Beijing, in 2024, had the highest number of active military personnel — 2,035,000. It also had 510,000 military reserve personnel and 500,000 paramilitary personnel.<h2>Russia</h2>Russia, which is embroiled in war with Ukraine, in 2024 had 1,100,000 active military personnel, 1,500,000 military reserve personnel, and 559,000 paramilitary personnel.<h2>Pakistan</h2>India's neighbour, Pakistan, had 660,000 active military personnel in 2024. It also had 550,000 military reserve personnel and 291,000 paramilitary personnel.<h2>Iran</h2>Iran had 610,000 active military personnel, 350,000 military reserve personnel, and 40,000 paramilitary personnel.&nbsp;<h2>Kazakhstan</h2>In 2024, Kazakhstan had 39,000 active military personnel and 31,500 paramilitary personnel.<h2>Kyrgyzstan</h2>Kyrgyzstan had 10,900 active military personnel and 9,500 paramilitary personnel in 2024.<h2>Tajikistan</h2>In 2024, Tajikistan had 8,800 active military personnel and 7,500 paramilitary personnel.<h2>Uzbekistan</h2>Uzbekistan meanwhile had 48,000 active military personnel and 20,000 paramilitary personnel.<h2>Belarus</h2>Finally, Belarus, the latest SCO member which joined the organisation in 2024, according to World Population Review had 45,350 active military personnel in 2024. It also had 289,500 military reserve personnel, and 110,000 paramilitary personnel.

As PM Modi readies to head for the SCO Summit, let's have a look at where the 10-nation bloc’s combined military might stands.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, announced the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday (Aug 22). From August 29-30, he will be in Japan, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba. Following that, from August 31 to September 1, at the invitation of China's President Xi Jinping, PM Modi will travel to China. There he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. As the Indian PM prepares to attend the latest SCO meet, let's have a look at the military might of the SCO nations. SCO nations' combined military might Currently, the SCO membership consists of 10 nations — India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017. During 2022-23, India held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation does not have a collective military. However, as per World Population Review, two of the organisation's member nations, India and China, are among the top five nations with the largest active military. Scroll down to check out the individual military numbers of SCO nations. India India boasts the second-largest active military personnel as of 2024. World Population Review data shows that, as of last year, India had 1,475,750 active military personnel, with 1,155,000 more military reserve personnel, and 1,616,050 paramilitary personnel. China Beijing, in 2024, had the highest number of active military personnel — 2,035,000. It also had 510,000 military reserve personnel and 500,000 paramilitary personnel. Russia Russia, which is embroiled in war with Ukraine, in 2024 had 1,100,000 active military personnel, 1,500,000 military reserve personnel, and 559,000 paramilitary personnel. Pakistan India's neighbour, Pakistan, had 660,000 active military personnel in 2024. It also had 550,000 military reserve personnel and 291,000 paramilitary personnel. Iran Iran had 610,000 active military personnel, 350,000 military reserve personnel, and 40,000 paramilitary personnel. Kazakhstan In 2024, Kazakhstan had 39,000 active military personnel and 31,500 paramilitary personnel. Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan had 10,900 active military personnel and 9,500 paramilitary personnel in 2024. Tajikistan In 2024, Tajikistan had 8,800 active military personnel and 7,500 paramilitary personnel. Uzbekistan Uzbekistan meanwhile had 48,000 active military personnel and 20,000 paramilitary personnel. Belarus Finally, Belarus, the latest SCO member which joined the organisation in 2024, according to World Population Review had 45,350 active military personnel in 2024. It also had 289,500 military reserve personnel, and 110,000 paramilitary personnel.

As PM Modi readies to head for the SCO Summit, let's have a look at where the 10-nation bloc’s combined military might stands.

From India to China, Russia to Pakistan: SCO nations’ combined military strength revealed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Tianjin, China on Saturday. As he prepares to join the SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1, this will carry implications that move far beyond SCO. With the double tariff and India-US relations deteriorating, pushing New Delhi closer to its strategic rival in China. Washington now faces a dilemma will Asia's two biggest economies move beyond strategic de-escalation to trade and security cooperation. One that will foil the US ambitions in Indo-Pacific and plans of an unipolar world order.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>What can be a problem for the US?</h2>The United States have long projected India as a counterweight to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific through QUAD. It encouraged India on numerous cases to keep China's maritime and economic power in check but in vain. China did emerge as the second most powerful nation in the world.Now a growing coordination between India and China will dilute the effects of US sanctions and efforts to end Russian ‘war economy’. India's growing discontent with US could spill over to less defence and maritime collaboration. ASEAN, Middle-East and African countries, will also follow Indian model of hedging between Washington and Beijing for security and trade benefits respectively. Coming together of two large Asian countries will also diminish the US narrative of Chinese revisionism in face of the Western Rule Based Order.&nbsp;<h2>Can India and China come together?</h2>Historically India and China had a complex relation. Territorial disputes at the core of the issue. There had been military stand offs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including Aksai Chin, controlled by China but claimed by India and Arunachal Pradesh controlled by India, claimed by China.These repeated clashes along with Indian participation in Quad military drills have displeased Beijing. India also strongly opposed the Belt and Road Initiative by China in Pakistan. India viewed this as a strategic challenge in South Asia. Economically, &nbsp;China remains India’s largest trading partner, but the massive trade deficit estimated at nearly $100billion in 2024–25 has pushed domestic calls to limit Chinese imports and restrict Chinese apps and investments, adding another layer of tension to the bilateral relationship.Various analysts and media outlets call this recent thaw as a strategic de-escalation. India and China both can both co operate on trade, as they have a massive bilateral trade approximately $120biilion, cultural and people-to-people exchanges through multilateral platforms like G20, BRICS, SCO. However a complete resolution and closure to border dispute remains unlikely. India is unlikely to stop its participation in Quad military drills and China is unlikely to give up on its BRI investments. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With Indian China relations reviving, if this goes beyond de-escalation management to defence and strategic cooperation, Washington will see its plan of consolidation and countering China in Indo-Pacific slipping away. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Tianjin, China on Saturday. As he prepares to join the SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1, this will carry implications that move far beyond SCO. With the double tariff and India-US relations deteriorating, pushing New Delhi closer to its strategic rival in China. Washington now faces a dilemma will Asia's two biggest economies move beyond strategic de-escalation to trade and security cooperation. One that will foil the US ambitions in Indo-Pacific and plans of an unipolar world order. What can be a problem for the US? The United States have long projected India as a counterweight to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific through QUAD. It encouraged India on numerous cases to keep China's maritime and economic power in check but in vain. China did emerge as the second most powerful nation in the world. Now a growing coordination between India and China will dilute the effects of US sanctions and efforts to end Russian ‘war economy’. India's growing discontent with US could spill over to less defence and maritime collaboration. ASEAN, Middle-East and African countries, will also follow Indian model of hedging between Washington and Beijing for security and trade benefits respectively. Coming together of two large Asian countries will also diminish the US narrative of Chinese revisionism in face of the Western Rule Based Order. Can India and China come together? Historically India and China had a complex relation. Territorial disputes at the core of the issue. There had been military stand offs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including Aksai Chin, controlled by China but claimed by India and Arunachal Pradesh controlled by India, claimed by China.These repeated clashes along with Indian participation in Quad military drills have displeased Beijing. India also strongly opposed the Belt and Road Initiative by China in Pakistan. India viewed this as a strategic challenge in South Asia. Economically, China remains India’s largest trading partner, but the massive trade deficit estimated at nearly $100billion in 2024–25 has pushed domestic calls to limit Chinese imports and restrict Chinese apps and investments, adding another layer of tension to the bilateral relationship. Various analysts and media outlets call this recent thaw as a strategic de-escalation. India and China both can both co operate on trade, as they have a massive bilateral trade approximately $120biilion, cultural and people-to-people exchanges through multilateral platforms like G20, BRICS, SCO. However a complete resolution and closure to border dispute remains unlikely. India is unlikely to stop its participation in Quad military drills and China is unlikely to give up on its BRI investments.

With Indian China relations reviving, if this goes beyond de-escalation management to defence and strategic cooperation, Washington will see its plan of consolidation and countering China in Indo-Pacific slipping away.&nbsp;

SCO Summit 2025: Could India-China rapproachement foil US strategy for Indo-Pacific?

As Indian PM Narendra Modi visits China, here is what you should know about Tianjin, the city hostim him for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit 2025
 

Modi lands at Tianjin for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit 2025: Here are 7 things to know about the Chinese city

As PM Modi prepares to attend the upcoming SCO summit in China, a renewed spotlight is on India-China relations. One notable moment in this diplomatic journey was in October 2019, when PM Modi hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping for informal summit in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), Tamil Nadu

Sea-side diplomacy, coconut water and candid chats: What happened when China's Xi Jinping met PM Modi in India for informal summit

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 is set to be held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1. This is the fifth time that China is hosting the 10-member grouping. Twenty world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will attend the summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the SCO Summit, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be in attendance. Xi will chair the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO and the "SCO Plus" Meeting. He will also deliver keynote speeches as not only world leaders, but heads of international organisations gather in this major port city. "Leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organisations will attend the SCO Summit 2025," said Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin at a press briefing on Friday. He said that this would be the largest SCO summit since its establishment. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sco-summit-how-much-oil-did-china-and-india-purchased-from-russia-in-july-1755955421377">SCO Summit: How much oil did&nbsp;China and India purchase from Russia in July?</a>&nbsp;<h2>Indians in China</h2>Ahead of the SCO Summit 2025, let's take a look at how many Indians work, study and reside in China. This includes mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 7400 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), 1060 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 8460 Overseas Indians reside in China. However, Hong Kong houses the largest number of Indians. MEA statistics suggest that 32,790 NRIs, 11350 PIOs and 44140 Overseas Indians live in Hong Kong, which is a special administrative region of China. MEA also lists the number of Indians in Taiwan, the island nation that China claims to be its territory. Currently, a total of 5303 NRIs, 501 PIOs and 5804 Overseas Indians are in Taiwan.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-to-adopt-wwii-80th-anniversary-statement-china-prepares-for-summit-1756064648624/em&nbsp;Most of the Indians in mainland China live in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Chongqing and Hangzhou. A majority of Indians work for multinational corporations, Indian companies, and banks. There are also several students pursuing higher studies in China, and the medical degree is the hot favourite. China is always on the lookout for professionals with specific skills, which sees the country attract a high volume of people from across the world, including India.&nbsp;

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025: The port city of Tianjin in China will host the SCO Summit in 2025. China is a major attraction among Indians. Here is how many Indians live in China, including Hong Kong.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 is set to be held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1. This is the fifth time that China is hosting the 10-member grouping. Twenty world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will attend the summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the SCO Summit, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be in attendance. Xi will chair the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO and the "SCO Plus" Meeting. He will also deliver keynote speeches as not only world leaders, but heads of international organisations gather in this major port city. "Leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organisations will attend the SCO Summit 2025," said Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin at a press briefing on Friday. He said that this would be the largest SCO summit since its establishment. Also Read: SCO Summit: How much oil did China and India purchase from Russia in July? Indians in China Ahead of the SCO Summit 2025, let's take a look at how many Indians work, study and reside in China. This includes mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 7400 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), 1060 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 8460 Overseas Indians reside in China. However, Hong Kong houses the largest number of Indians. MEA statistics suggest that 32,790 NRIs, 11350 PIOs and 44140 Overseas Indians live in Hong Kong, which is a special administrative region of China. MEA also lists the number of Indians in Taiwan, the island nation that China claims to be its territory. Currently, a total of 5303 NRIs, 501 PIOs and 5804 Overseas Indians are in Taiwan. https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-to-adopt-wwii-80th-anniversary-statement-china-prepares-for-summit-1756064648624/em Most of the Indians in mainland China live in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Chongqing and Hangzhou. A majority of Indians work for multinational corporations, Indian companies, and banks. There are also several students pursuing higher studies in China, and the medical degree is the hot favourite. China is always on the lookout for professionals with specific skills, which sees the country attract a high volume of people from across the world, including India.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025: The port city of Tianjin in China will host the SCO Summit in 2025. China is a major attraction among Indians. Here is how many Indians live in China, including Hong Kong.

SCO Summit 2025: How many Indians live and work in China?

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

Senior White House officials believe some European leaders are publicly backing President Trump’s push to end the war in Ukraine, while quietly undermining progress behind the scenes, Axios reported. The Biden administration has asked the Treasury Department to draw up possible sanctions that Europe could impose on Russia. These include a full ban on oil and gas imports, along with secondary tariffs on India and China, similar to those already levied by the US.<h2>Trump aides shift blame to Europe</h2>Two weeks after Trump’s Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, little has moved forward. Frustrated aides say responsibility lies with European allies, not Trump, and not even Putin. “The Europeans don’t get to prolong this war and backdoor unreasonable expectations, while also expecting America to bear the cost,” a senior White House official told Axios. “If Europe wants to escalate this war, that will be up to them. But they will be hopelessly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory,” they added.<h2>A clash over Zelensky’s strategy</h2>According to US officials, some European capitals are pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hold out for stronger concessions from Moscow. Washington views this as unrealistic and damaging. “Getting to a deal is an art of the possible. But some of the Europeans continue to operate in a fairy-tale land that ignores the fact it takes two to tango,” another senior official said. While the White House sees Britain and France as more constructive, it accuses others of leaving America to shoulder most of the war’s cost.<h2>Trump’s growing impatience</h2>After meeting both Putin and Zelensky, Trump has repeatedly said the next step must be a face-to-face summit between the two leaders. Moscow has so far refused, and Kyiv has ruled out territorial talks until Russia comes to the table. At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump expressed his irritation, “Everybody is posturing. It’s all bullshit.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt admitted progress was stalling. “Perhaps both sides of this war are not ready to end it themselves,” she said.<h2>Europe pushes back on criticism</h2>European officials, however, reject claims of double-dealing. One senior diplomat told Axios there was no gap between what Europe says publicly and what it does in private. The official added that European governments are already preparing fresh sanctions against Russia. On Friday, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff met Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak in New York. They discussed the possibility of a Putin-Zelensky summit, and Yermak invited Witkoff to Kyiv. But no breakthrough&nbsp;was&nbsp;made.

Senior White House officials accuse European leaders of stalling Trump’s Ukraine peace push while blaming them for lack of progress. Washington is weighing sanctions on Russia, India and China, including bans on energy imports.

Senior White House officials believe some European leaders are publicly backing President Trump’s push to end the war in Ukraine, while quietly undermining progress behind the scenes, Axios reported. The Biden administration has asked the Treasury Department to draw up possible sanctions that Europe could impose on Russia. These include a full ban on oil and gas imports, along with secondary tariffs on India and China, similar to those already levied by the US. Trump aides shift blame to Europe Two weeks after Trump’s Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, little has moved forward. Frustrated aides say responsibility lies with European allies, not Trump, and not even Putin. “The Europeans don’t get to prolong this war and backdoor unreasonable expectations, while also expecting America to bear the cost,” a senior White House official told Axios. “If Europe wants to escalate this war, that will be up to them. But they will be hopelessly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory,” they added. A clash over Zelensky’s strategy According to US officials, some European capitals are pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hold out for stronger concessions from Moscow. Washington views this as unrealistic and damaging. “Getting to a deal is an art of the possible. But some of the Europeans continue to operate in a fairy-tale land that ignores the fact it takes two to tango,” another senior official said. While the White House sees Britain and France as more constructive, it accuses others of leaving America to shoulder most of the war’s cost. Trump’s growing impatience After meeting both Putin and Zelensky, Trump has repeatedly said the next step must be a face-to-face summit between the two leaders. Moscow has so far refused, and Kyiv has ruled out territorial talks until Russia comes to the table. At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump expressed his irritation, “Everybody is posturing. It’s all bullshit.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt admitted progress was stalling. “Perhaps both sides of this war are not ready to end it themselves,” she said. Europe pushes back on criticism European officials, however, reject claims of double-dealing. One senior diplomat told Axios there was no gap between what Europe says publicly and what it does in private. The official added that European governments are already preparing fresh sanctions against Russia. On Friday, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff met Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak in New York. They discussed the possibility of a Putin-Zelensky summit, and Yermak invited Witkoff to Kyiv. But no breakthrough was made.

Senior White House officials accuse European leaders of stalling Trump’s Ukraine peace push while blaming them for lack of progress. Washington is weighing sanctions on Russia, India and China, including bans on energy imports.

'It’s all bulls***': White House says Europe is secretly roadblocking end to Russia-Ukraine war – Here’s how

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday conveyed Nepal’s reservations over the India-China agreement to open a trade route through the Lipulekh Pass during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China's Tianjin. This comes after a recent agreement between India and China to reopen the trade route via Lipulekh Pass, which Nepal claims.&nbsp;The Nepal prime minister, who is visiting China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, expressed Nepal’s opposition to the China-India deal via the Lipulek Pass, which Kathmandu says is “an inseparable part of sovereign Nepal”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Referring to the recent understanding reached between India and China on border trade through Lipu Lekh Pass, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli raised the issue directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping,” the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;PM Oli stated that the territory of Lipulekh belongs to Nepal, and the Government of Nepal has officially registered strong objections against the India–China agreement on trade through this pass.&nbsp;Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan pass, strategically important, lying at the tri-junction of Nepal, India, and China.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier this month, India rejected Nepal’s opposition to the agreement, calling Kathmandu’s territorial claims “unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts.”&nbsp;By raising the matter directly with President Xi during a high-profile bilateral, Nepal reaffirmed its sovereignty claim and signalled that it does not accept bilateral India-China deals involving its claimed territory.&nbsp;During the meeting, the Nepal PM expressed hope for faster implementation of already agreed projects, including those under the BRI, and sought support in areas such as fertiliser, petroleum exploration, human resource development, climate resilience, and people-to-people ties.&nbsp;He stated that Nepal-China ties, rooted in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, have been trouble-free.&nbsp;Prime Minister Oli extended his best wishes for the success of the SCO Summit 2025 and requested the President of China to support Nepal’s membership aspiration in the SCO.&nbsp;President Xi Jinping affirmed China’s readiness to support Nepal in realizing its vision of Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali. He noted that China will continue to work with Nepal in multilateral platforms such as the UN and SCO.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanking Nepal for its steadfast adherence to the One-China Principle, he reiterated China’s commitment to Nepal’s development, including through the implementation of high-quality Belt and Road Initiative projects agreed upon by both sides.&nbsp;Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address the Summit on September 1 and hold bilateral talks with other world leaders on the sidelines.

India rejected Nepal’s opposition to the agreement and called Kathmandu’s territorial claims “unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts.” Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan pass, strategically important, lying at the tri-junction of Nepal, India, and China.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday conveyed Nepal’s reservations over the India-China agreement to open a trade route through the Lipulekh Pass during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China's Tianjin. This comes after a recent agreement between India and China to reopen the trade route via Lipulekh Pass, which Nepal claims. The Nepal prime minister, who is visiting China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, expressed Nepal’s opposition to the China-India deal via the Lipulek Pass, which Kathmandu says is “an inseparable part of sovereign Nepal”. “Referring to the recent understanding reached between India and China on border trade through Lipu Lekh Pass, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli raised the issue directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping,” the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing said in a statement. PM Oli stated that the territory of Lipulekh belongs to Nepal, and the Government of Nepal has officially registered strong objections against the India–China agreement on trade through this pass. Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan pass, strategically important, lying at the tri-junction of Nepal, India, and China. Earlier this month, India rejected Nepal’s opposition to the agreement, calling Kathmandu’s territorial claims “unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts.” By raising the matter directly with President Xi during a high-profile bilateral, Nepal reaffirmed its sovereignty claim and signalled that it does not accept bilateral India-China deals involving its claimed territory. During the meeting, the Nepal PM expressed hope for faster implementation of already agreed projects, including those under the BRI, and sought support in areas such as fertiliser, petroleum exploration, human resource development, climate resilience, and people-to-people ties. He stated that Nepal-China ties, rooted in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, have been trouble-free. Prime Minister Oli extended his best wishes for the success of the SCO Summit 2025 and requested the President of China to support Nepal’s membership aspiration in the SCO. President Xi Jinping affirmed China’s readiness to support Nepal in realizing its vision of Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali. He noted that China will continue to work with Nepal in multilateral platforms such as the UN and SCO. Thanking Nepal for its steadfast adherence to the One-China Principle, he reiterated China’s commitment to Nepal’s development, including through the implementation of high-quality Belt and Road Initiative projects agreed upon by both sides. Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address the Summit on September 1 and hold bilateral talks with other world leaders on the sidelines.

India rejected Nepal’s opposition to the agreement and called Kathmandu’s territorial claims “unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts.” Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan pass, strategically important, lying at the tri-junction of Nepal, India, and China.

Nepal presses Lipulekh Pass claim in talks with China

When it comes to global silver reserves, even the world's largest economies like the USA and India are not in the top 5. As of 2024, whole world's silver reserves are measured to be 550,000 to 640,000 metric tons. Here are the top 5 

Global silver reserves: No USA and India, Top 5 countries with the largest silver reserves

Baseless rumours of Donald Trump’s death trended online with hashtags like #whereistrump. Thousands speculated, but reporter Reagan Reese dismissed claims, confirming he interviewed Trump in person just a day earlier.

'#whereistrump?' Trump is alive and golfing: US president hits golf course with granddaughter amid wild ‘death’ rumours online | PHOTOS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone on Saturday and discussed the latest situation on Kyiv’s war with Moscow, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Saturday evening. Zelensky also said that he apprised PM Modi about his recent talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington.The telephonic conversation between the two leaders came just a day before PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Tianjin, where they have gathered to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.&nbsp;“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Zelenskyy shared his perspective on the recent developments related to Ukraine,” a PMO statement said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction. <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1961800033579544651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The PM thanked Zelensky and reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and full support for efforts for restoring peace at the earliest, it added.“Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) moments after his discussion with the Ukrainian president.Zelensky also shared an optimistic view about his conversation with PM Modi, calling it “a productive and important conversation”.&nbsp;“I spoke with Prime Minister of India@NarendraModi. I informed about the talks with President Trump in Washington with the participation of European leaders. It was a productive and important conversation, a shared vision among partners on how to achieve real peace. Ukraine reaffirmed its readiness for a meeting with the head of Russia,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I spoke with Prime Minister of India <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a>. I informed about the talks with President Trump in Washington with the participation of European leaders. It was a productive and important conversation, a shared vision among partners on how to achieve real peace. Ukraine… <a href="https://t.co/fINVbncnlR">pic.twitter.com/fINVbncnlR</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1961801645131698226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

During his talks with Trump at the Oval Office, Zelensky said that he was open to holding elections once peace is restored in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and full support to all efforts for restoring peace at the earliest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone on Saturday and discussed the latest situation on Kyiv’s war with Moscow, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Saturday evening. Zelensky also said that he apprised PM Modi about his recent talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington. The telephonic conversation between the two leaders came just a day before PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Tianjin, where they have gathered to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Zelenskyy shared his perspective on the recent developments related to Ukraine,” a PMO statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and full support to all efforts for restoring peace at the earliest.

PM Modi speaks to Zelensky before meeting Putin, extends full support to efforts for restoring peace

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PM Modi speaks to Zelensky before meeting Putin, says support efforts for peace