Why in News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China after seven years to attend the SCO Summit 2025, marking his first bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping since the 2020 border standoff.
Introduction:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China (2025) marked a significant shift in India’s foreign policy.
- This was his first visit to China in seven years and the first bilateral engagement with President Xi Jinping since the 2020 border standoff.
- The move underlined India’s recalibration of ties amidst a changing global order dominated by great power rivalry.
Outcomes
- Resumption of high-level India-China dialogue after border tensions.
- Revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral optics.
- Tianjin declaration with strong language on cross-border terrorism.
- Divergences on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but convergence on trade, connectivity, and counter-terrorism.
Key Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy Shift
Normalisation with China
- Leaders approved the normalisation process initiated in 2024.
- Agreed to fast-track boundary resolution talks via Special Representatives.
- Resumption of direct flights, visa facilitation, and economic cooperation.
- Symbolic gestures of “Elephant and Dragon coming together” after years of hostility.
Strategic Autonomy in a Polarised World
- US tariffs and sanctions against India created mistrust towards Washington.
- India chose to rebalance towards Eurasia, avoiding overdependence on the West.
- Revived warmth with Russia and China signals India’s return to multi-alignment.
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
- The Tianjin Declaration condemned cross-border terrorism, including Pahalgam attack.
- Balanced mention of Balochistan attacks shows diplomatic compromise.
- Strengthened India’s narrative of terrorism as a shared regional threat.
Multilateral Engagement within SCO
- Agreement on humanitarian crisis in Gaza and opposition to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
- India opposed BRI references, showing selective alignment.
- Discussion on SCO Development Bank and India’s proposal for a “Civilisational Dialogue” broadened agenda.
Missed Opportunities
- Modi skipped “SCO Plus” summit, limiting outreach to neighbourhood and Global South leaders.
- Optics of engaging with Xi and Putin overshadowed possible South Asian cooperation.
Implications for India’s Foreign Policy
- India-China Relations: Engagement signals thaw, but core issues like LAC standoff remain unresolved.
- Balancing Act: India is recalibrating its “multi-alignment” between West and Eurasian blocs.
- Strategic Autonomy: Assertive move to not be perceived as “junior partner” in U.S.-led alliances.
- Regional Security: SCO platform strengthens India’s case against terrorism, but parity given to Pakistan dilutes impact.
- Geopolitical Signalling: Bonhomie with Xi and Putin projects India’s readiness to play a bridging role in global conflicts.
Challenges
- Trust Deficit with China – LAC violations, support to Pakistan, UNSC and NSG blocks.
- Dependence on Russia-China Axis – Could limit India’s strategic manoeuvring.
- US-India Friction – Rising mistrust due to sanctions and trade barriers.
- Domestic Perception – Risk of appearing conciliatory towards China after Galwan.
- Limited Regional Outreach – Absence at SCO Plus weakens India’s voice in neighbourhood affairs.
Way Forward
- Sustain Dialogue with China: Build on troop disengagement and boundary talks, without compromising sovereignty.
- Strengthen Eurasian Partnerships: Leverage SCO for connectivity, trade, and counter-terrorism, while resisting pressure on BRI.
- Balance with the West: Maintain engagement with U.S. and QUAD partners for technology, defence, and Indo-Pacific security.
- Enhance Neighbourhood Diplomacy: Prioritise SCO Plus and South Asia engagement to retain regional leadership.
- Institutionalise Multi-Alignment: Continue India’s traditional role as a balancer between competing blocs.
Conclusion
The 2025 SCO Summit marked an unmistakable shift in India’s foreign policy—re-engaging China and Russia while maintaining selective alignment with the West. The visit highlighted India’s strategic intent to exercise autonomy, promote multipolarity, and preserve space for its global leadership ambitions.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper II – International Relations
- India and its Neighbourhood Relations – Normalisation process with China post-2020 standoff.
- Regional Groupings – India’s role in SCO, balancing Eurasian partnerships.
Mains Practice Question
Q. “The 2025 SCO Summit marks an unmistakable shift in India’s foreign policy stance. Analyse the drivers, implications, and challenges of India’s renewed engagement with China and Russia in the evolving global order.”