On September 1, leaders from India and China met in Tianjin, China, to discuss pressing geopolitical issues in the context of their respective relationships with Russia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. Both countries are under considerable pressure to end their imports of Russian oil. The meetings come on the heels of heightened international pressure on this issue.
We had our own bilateral issues to discuss, but the focus for them was largely on the fallout of their deepening economic relationships with Russia. Both Modi and Xi recognize the significance of maintaining a stable relationship with President Vladimir Putin, given the complexities of global energy markets and the geopolitical landscape. The backdrop of the SCO Summit makes for timely and pressing dialogues for member countries. They all find themselves grappling with where to stand on Russia’s recent invasion.
Modi’s discussions with Xi were designed to reaffirm India’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation within the SCO framework. The summit unites all five Central Asian republics, as well as China and India. Attendees will of course be looking to improve maritime security and bolster economic ties between their respective nations. This is the key strategic point of Modi’s visit – that India wants to maintain healthy ties with both China and Russia. Simultaneously, it meets the needs of Western countries wary of dependent energy imports.
China’s role is, perhaps, the most important. To do so, it seeks to bolster its position as a leading regional counterweight against external contention from the United States and its allies. The biggest contribution that the bilateral talks in Tianjin can make is by helping both sides build greater mutual trust, confidence and understanding. Due to the lengthy and complex historical context between these two nations, this dialogue proved invaluable.
As both leaders face mounting scrutiny on energy imports from Russia, they will need to walk a fine diplomatic line. The discussions held in Tianjin highlight their intentions to collaborate on mutual interests while managing the broader implications of their trade relationships with Moscow. As the SCO Summit draws near, member states need to converge as one for significant and decisive outcome. It is particularly urgent to synchronize their economic policies and security strategy, particularly where Russia is concerned.