Putin and Modi Join Xi at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are among 20 global leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. The high-profile gathering, backed by Beijing, is one of the largest since the SCO was founded in 2001.
Before the main sessions, Indian Prime Minister Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in seven years, marking a significant moment in India-China relations. Meanwhile, Putin, a close ally of Beijing, received a red-carpet welcome upon his arrival in the northern port city on Sunday.
The summit comes at a time of growing global tensions. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. At the same time, Moscow faces increasing threats of sanctions over its ongoing war in Ukraine.
The SCO, which began as a regional security bloc, now includes 10 member states—among them Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and Iran—alongside 16 observer and dialogue partners. While largely symbolic, the summit offers leaders a platform to voice shared concerns, strengthen alliances, and highlight opposition to Western-led institutions such as NATO.
Tianjin has transformed into a showcase city for the summit, with banners, billboards, and night-time lightshows drawing tens of thousands of spectators. Towering buildings along the riverside have been illuminated, while crowds flood the historic Jiefang Bridge and surrounding streets to catch glimpses of the spectacle.
However, security measures have tightened. Roadblocks frequently halt pedestrians to make way for motorcades of visiting leaders, and taxis along with ride-hailing services have been suspended in central districts. Authorities have urged Tianjin’s 13 million residents to stay close to home and shop locally during the summit.
Despite the restrictions, excitement among residents remains high, with many considering the SCO summit a historic moment for the city. The gathering also precedes a massive military parade commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II, adding further global significance to the week.
Putin and Modi Attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China
Global Leaders Gather in Tianjin
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are among 20 world leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. This marks the largest SCO gathering since the organization was established in 2001.
Modi Meets Xi Jinping After Seven Years
Ahead of the main summit, Prime Minister Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in seven years. Their talks are seen as a significant step in India-China relations, especially against the backdrop of regional tensions.
Putin Receives Red-Carpet Welcome
Putin, considered one of China’s closest allies, arrived in Tianjin on Sunday and was welcomed with full state honors. His presence highlights the growing cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, particularly as both nations face increasing pressure from the West.
Summit Held Amid Rising Global Tensions
The SCO summit takes place at a time of strained international relations. The United States, led by President Donald Trump, has imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports due to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. At the same time, Putin faces mounting sanctions threats over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
SCO: A Strategic Counterbalance to NATO
The SCO currently includes 10 full member states—China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iran among them—along with 16 dialogue partners and observers. Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and Central Asian nations, the bloc is seen as a strategic counterbalance to Western alliances like NATO.
Tianjin Transformed for the Summit
The port city of Tianjin has been decorated with banners, billboards, and lightshows to celebrate the summit. At night, thousands of residents gather along the riverside and near the historic Jiefang Bridge to enjoy dazzling displays projected onto skyscrapers.
Security Tightened Across the City
Security has been significantly heightened during the summit. Roadblocks regularly halt pedestrian movement to clear paths for visiting leaders’ motorcades, while taxi and ride-hailing services have been suspended in the downtown area. Authorities have advised Tianjin’s 13 million residents to minimize travel and shop locally during the event.
A Historic Moment for Tianjin
Despite the restrictions, enthusiasm remains high among locals, many of whom see the summit as a historic event for the city. The meeting also comes just days before a large-scale military parade commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II, further amplifying its global significance.