Xi Jinping Courts Global Influence at SCO Summit as India‘s Role Grows
Samarkand, Uzbekistan – Chinese President xi Jinping is leveraging this week’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to project an image of leadership in a shifting global order, even as the organization faces internal complexities and a rising India. The summit, described by Chinese state media as the “largest-ever” SCO gathering, brings together leaders from Russia, India, and several other nations, signaling Beijing’s ambition to position the SCO as a counterweight to Western influence.However, the dynamic within the SCO is far from monolithic. India’s increasing prominence within the bloc presents a potential challenge to the conventional dominance of Russia and China. While New Delhi has deepened economic ties with Moscow – becoming a major purchaser of Russian oil since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine – it’s unlikely to offer unqualified support for either Russia’s actions in Ukraine or china’s assertive claims in the south China Sea and regarding Taiwan.
This nuanced position is underscored by India’s decision not to sign a joint statement with the SCO, citing the organization’s failure to acknowledge a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April. This move highlights New Delhi’s commitment to its own national interests and its unwillingness to compromise on security concerns.
India’s Balancing Act
India’s growing role within the SCO is particularly noteworthy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized “steady progress” in improving relations with China, while together navigating a complex relationship with the United States. This balancing act reflects India’s strategic autonomy and its desire to maintain strong ties with multiple global powers.
Though, india’s aspirations for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council have been repeatedly stymied, possibly due to a lack of robust support from China and Russia, who might potentially be hesitant to dilute their own influence with the West.The continued uncertainty surrounding US foreign trade policy further incentivizes India to explore choice partnerships.
Xi’s Vision and the “Shanghai Spirit”
Beijing remains tight-lipped about specific expectations for the summit, maintaining its characteristic diplomatic reserve. State news agency Xinhua has framed the SCO as guided by the “Shanghai Spirit” – a principle emphasizing mutual trust, benefit, and equality – and positioned the summit as a crucial step in charting the bloc’s future growth over the next decade.
Beyond the core members, the summit includes a dozen other nations participating as dialog partners or guests, including Egypt, Nepal, and several Southeast asian countries, demonstrating the SCO’s broadening reach.
Key Takeaways:
China is using the SCO summit to promote its vision of a new global order. India’s growing influence within the SCO challenges the traditional dominance of Russia and China.
India is pursuing a strategy of strategic autonomy, balancing relationships with multiple global powers.
The SCO’s internal dynamics are complex, with differing national interests and priorities.
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