Putin, Modi, Xi Reignite Asia Cooperation Amid US Tariffs, SCO Summit

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, India’s Narendra Modi and China’s Xi Jinping publicly signaled a thaw in their strained relations, with Modi calling India and China 'development partners' and emphasizing peace and stability along their border. This rapprochement comes amid heightened tensions with the United States, as President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, a move that pushed Modi closer to China and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin, welcomed warmly by Xi and seen walking hand in hand with Modi, benefits from this growing alliance as it counters Western efforts to isolate Russia over its war in Ukraine. The summit highlighted a broader push by these leaders, along with other Eurasian states, to present a Global South alternative to the U.S.-led world order, emphasizing multilateralism and mutual respect. Despite the progress, underlying tensions remain, including India’s significant trade deficit with China and ongoing disputes over border infrastructure projects. The evolving ties between these powers mark a strategic shift with significant implications for global geopolitics and trade dynamics amid ongoing conflicts and sanctions.