The recently concluded SCO Summit in China sent out a loud and clear message to the world: India is no longer just a participant, it is now a game-changer. For India, the summit was nothing less than a diplomatic masterstroke.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only showcased India’s strength but also forced the global community to recognize India’s rising stature. The inclusion of a condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in the SCO’s joint declaration was a historic breakthrough. This was no ordinary achievement—given that forums like the SCO have long been used by countries such as Pakistan to play their own diplomatic games. This time, however, 22 heads of state came together to hold Pakistan accountable.
But the defining image of the summit was the friendship between India and Russia. Despite relentless U.S. attempts, particularly under Donald Trump, to weaken India–Russia ties, the summit made it crystal clear: this partnership is unbreakable. Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a warm 40-minute bilateral meeting, capped by Putin addressing Modi as his “dear friend.” For Washington, this was a wake-up call. Modi reaffirmed that Russia has stood by India in every difficult moment—and will continue to do so.
And when Modi, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood together on stage, that single photograph conveyed a thousand words.
Modi’s Five Strategic Targets at the SCO
Observers point out that Modi had five clear objectives going into the summit. One by one, he achieved them all—turning what seemed “impossible” just days earlier into a resounding diplomatic victory.
Target 1: Assert India’s Sovereignty & Strategic Autonomy
India wanted to send a strong global signal: we bow to no one. India’s sovereignty, decision-making, and strategic autonomy are non-negotiable. Modi positioned himself as the leading global voice against Trump’s tariff wars and unilateralism.
His successful diplomacy with Russia and even with China proved that India won’t be coerced by U.S. “bullying.” On the contrary, the world saw Modi emerge as the foremost leader of the anti-tariff, anti-hegemony movement.
Adding to the triumph was the massive ¥10 trillion Japan deal, which Washington had been eyeing. The fact that Tokyo finalized the deal with New Delhi instead of the U.S. left Trump visibly isolated.
Target 2: Reset Relations with China on India’s Terms
Modi made it clear to Xi Jinping: India will not tolerate hypocrisy. China cannot speak of friendship while arming Pakistan and supporting terrorism. Trust and sensitivity were the keywords.
Modi told Xi bluntly: peace on the border must precede economic cooperation. He also raised the issue of the trade deficit, insisting that India will not accept one-way trade. “You must also buy from India,” was the message.
At the same time, Modi signaled support for China’s sensitivities on Taiwan and the South China Sea—making it clear that mutual respect must be reciprocal. In short, India neither compromised nor capitulated.
Target 3: Deepen India–Russia Friendship
India’s message to the world: our friendship with Russia is non-negotiable. No propaganda or pressure from the West will alter this equation.
During the summit, as Zelensky phoned Modi from Kyiv, the optics of Modi laughing, shaking hands, and embracing Putin spoke volumes. Reports also hinted at discussions on creating a new trade corridor from India to Moscow, bypassing Pakistan.
The joint optics of Modi, Putin, and Xi together sent a powerful message: India is central to Eurasian geopolitics.
Target 4: Corner Pakistan at the SCO
For Pakistan, the summit was a diplomatic nightmare. At the previous defense ministers’ meeting, China had blocked India’s attempt to include terrorism references. This time, Modi ensured the Pahalgam terror attack was explicitly condemned—and even Pakistan had no choice but to sign the joint statement.
The images told the story: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif trailing uncomfortably behind as Modi and Putin strode together. On Pakistani TV, analysts openly admitted that Islamabad was being humiliated and increasingly marginalized within the SCO.
Target 5: Send a Message to Trump and the U.S.
The sharpest message was reserved for Donald Trump. After ignoring Modi’s repeated calls, Trump was confronted with a clear statement: “You’ve seen India’s friendship—now see our resolve when we are opposed.”
The U.S. now finds itself isolated, as even allies like Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and France have voiced frustration with Trump’s tariff policies. European leaders are openly preparing reciprocal tariffs against the U.S.
Sensing the shift, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi rushed to issue conciliatory tweets, hailing India as America’s “most important 21st-century partner.” But for Modi, the message was clear: India needs the U.S. far less than the U.S. needs India.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Rising Global Role
Modi’s speech at the summit resonated across the hall as he outlined the three pillars of India’s global vision: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. Backed by the mantra of Reform, Perform, and Transform, he presented India’s roadmap for the future.
Every word was laced with strength. Every phrase struck at Pakistan’s duplicity. And every gesture shook America’s calculations.
The defining photograph—Modi, Putin, and Xi standing together in China—was enough to unsettle Washington and reshape the global balance.
Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2162574
https://eoibeijing.gov.in/eoibejing_pages/NDc,
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