Chinese President Xi Jinping will host over 20 world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin next week. This marks Modi's first visit to China in more than seven years, amid ongoing efforts to ease tensions between the two countries following border clashes in 2020. The summit is seen as a demonstration of Global South solidarity and a platform for diplomatic support for Russia, as Western leaders continue to distance themselves from Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine.

While the summit is expected to focus on trade, connectivity, and regional security, analysts note that the bloc's effectiveness in addressing substantial issues remains limited. Frictions among members, particularly between India and Pakistan, persist, and recent meetings have failed to produce joint statements on contentious topics. Despite this, geopolitical shifts and pressure from other global powers are pushing India and China toward dialogue, with expectations of constructive talks and possible announcements on troop withdrawals, trade, and climate cooperation. Ultimately, the summit is viewed as significant for its optics, signaling a potential thaw in India-China relations and the growing influence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.