Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit Sees Modi Engage with Putin and Xi Amid Ukraine War Discussions
SHANGHAI – indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, as the bloc expands its influence and grapples with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The summit, held this week, highlighted a growing alignment between the three leaders despite international concerns over russia’s war and China’s support.
Xi Jinping, facing accusations of bolstering Russia’s war efforts, called for increased trade and investment among SCO member states, pledging $280 million in foreign aid to member nations this year. the SCO has grown from its original six nations to encompass 10 permanent members and 16 dialogue and observer countries, a group Beijing refers to as the “Global South”-developing countries in the southern hemisphere.Modi,Xi,and Putin were observed in conversation during the conference,including talks focused on the war in Ukraine. Putin praised Xi’s leadership and expressed gratitude to both Chinese and Indian leaders for their efforts in ”facilitating the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis.”
Putin reiterated his claim that Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine was not the initial cause of the conflict, attributing it instead to “a coup in Ukraine, which was supported and provoked by the West,” and the West’s attempts to integrate Ukraine into NATO. He also referenced alleged “understandings” reached with President Trump during a recent summit, though details remained undisclosed, expressing hope they would “open the way to peace in Ukraine.” Ukraine has dismissed these talks as insincere, accusing Russia of seeking to prolong the war and seize more territory.
The summit took place against a backdrop of escalating tensions in Ukraine, with Russia’s aggression dating back to the 2014 annexation of Crimea following the Revolution of Dignity.
