Modiji at SCO 2025: India Emerges as a Confident Global Power

MGMMTeam
6 days ago
3 min read

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin was not just another diplomatic gathering. It became a stage where Prime Minister Narendra Modi projected India’s growing influence, independence, and leadership in a world dominated for too long by Western narratives. At a time when global powers are locked in trade disputes and geopolitical manoeuvring, Modiji’s presence sent a clear signal: India is not a junior partner to anyone, but a sovereign voice that engages with the world on its own terms.

PM Modi individually met the heads of Nepal, Maldives, Egypt, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Turkmenistan, and Armenia on the sidelines of the SCO official reception | OpIndia

Strengthening Bonds Across Borders

In his series of bilateral meetings, Modiji emphasized India’s policy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family—while ensuring that national interests remained at the forefront. With Nepal’s KP Sharma Oli, Modiji recalled the civilisational depth of Indo-Nepalese ties. His talks with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed that despite political noise, India’s developmental partnership with the island nation cannot be ignored. Egypt, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan too saw Modiji underline opportunities in energy, healthcare, culture, and defence—showing that India is no longer seen as a bystander but as a dependable and equal partner.

The discussion with Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing was especially significant. By touching upon border management, trade, and defence cooperation, Modiji sent out a clear message that India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies are not empty slogans but concrete actions to ensure regional stability and prosperity.

With Russia, A Trusted Friendship Endures

One of the highlights of Modiji’s visit was his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Unlike the West, which often treats India with condescension, Russia has consistently valued New Delhi as an equal partner. The reaffirmation of the “special and privileged” partnership showed that India–Russia ties remain solid despite Western attempts to isolate Moscow. Trade targets of $100 billion by 2030 are not just numbers—they represent a future where India will secure affordable energy, robust defence cooperation, and resilient economic ties, free from Western bullying tactics.

Modi–Xi Meeting: Dialogue Without Compromise

India’s engagement with China remains complex, yet Modiji’s conversation with President Xi Jinping was a reminder of India’s maturity as a global power. Instead of succumbing to hostility or playing second fiddle, Modiji highlighted cooperation while firmly keeping India’s security concerns in focus. Xi’s proposals for a Civilizational Dialogue Forum and development bank underscored that even Beijing recognises India’s centrality in shaping Asia’s future. Unlike Western powers that thrive on conflict, Modiji showed that India can keep channels of dialogue open without compromising its dignity.

The Troika of Modi, Putin, and Xi

What drew the most attention was the sight of Modiji, Putin, and Xi sharing warm gestures and camaraderie. Western media rushed to dismiss this as “mere optics,” but the reality is different. These images signalled a tectonic shift in global diplomacy. For too long, the West has dictated terms to Asia. Today, leaders like Modiji stand shoulder to shoulder with other global heavyweights, redefining what multipolarity looks like. And unlike China or Russia, India enjoys the rare ability to engage with the U.S., Europe, and the Global South with equal ease—making it a pivotal player in world affairs.

Western Media’s Predictable Bias

Unsurprisingly, sections of Western media attempted to undermine India’s diplomatic success by portraying it as “aligning” with Russia and China. This tired narrative ignores the fact that India’s foreign policy is rooted in strategic autonomy. Modiji did not go to Tianjin to take sides; he went there to strengthen India’s position. The West, uncomfortable with India’s rise, finds it easier to twist the story rather than admit the truth—that New Delhi is no longer dependent on anyone’s approval.

Conclusion: A Confident India on the World Stage

The SCO 2025 Summit demonstrated that India under Modiji is no longer a silent participant in global forums. Whether it was reinforcing ties with neighbours, deepening energy security with Russia, or holding pragmatic talks with China, Modiji showed that India can engage with everyone while remaining true to its own path. The West may try to downplay this achievement, but the reality is clear: India has arrived as a confident, independent power whose voice cannot be ignored in shaping the future of the world.