India-Russia Ties Key For Global Peace At SCO Summit 2025

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held in Tianjin on September 1, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for regional and global diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping , underscored India’s commitment to fostering peace, security, and cooperation. In a bilateral meeting with Putin, Modi described their frequent interactions as a "memorable experience" and reaffirmed the enduring strength of India-Russia ties. Addressing the SCO plenary, he called for a united stand against terrorism, pushed for reforms in global institutions like the UN, and outlined a vision for the SCO focusing on Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. The summit, attended by 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations, highlighted the SCO’s growing role in addressing global challenges.

India-Russia Partnership Highlighted at SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that India and Russia have consistently supported each other, even during challenging times. Speaking to President Putin, he remarked that this enduring partnership is a key pillar of stability in a world marked by uncertainty. Modi described his interaction with Putin as a memorable experience, noting that regular high-level exchanges have kept the partnership strong.

SCO Summit: Modi’s Vision for Security and Cooperation

Addressing the SCO plenary session, PM Modi placed terrorism at the forefront of his remarks, referencing the recent Pahalgam terror attack and questioning, “Can open support to terrorism by some countries be acceptable to us?” He urged SCO members to adopt a united stand with “no double standards” in the fight against terrorism, calling for greater accountability. Modi outlined a vision for the SCO built on three pillars: Security (S), Connectivity (C), and Opportunity (O). He stressed that enhanced security cooperation, improved regional connectivity, and expanded opportunities for growth would strengthen the bloc. Welcoming the establishment of four new SCO centres to tackle organised crime, drug trafficking, and cyber security, Modi advocated for broader reforms, stating, “We cannot showcase the vibrant dreams of the new generation on an old black-and-white screen,” in reference to the need for UN reforms on its 80th anniversary.

Xi Jinping’s Call for Inclusiveness

Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the summit, highlighted the "Shanghai Spirit" and stressed fairness, inclusiveness, and opposition to hegemonism. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to regional peace and a stronger SCO role in building a new security framework.