A new “power triangle” is set to dominate the SCO Summit in Tianjin, as the bilateral meetings between India’s Narendra Modi, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and China’s Xi Jinping will be critical in shaping the future of Eurasia. The interactions between these three leaders will determine the trajectory of the entire bloc.
Putin has already set an assertive agenda, calling for a “fairer world order” and condemning Western sanctions. His goal will be to bring India deeper into this consensus, leveraging the long-standing Russia-India relationship and their shared membership in BRICS to forge a more united front.
For their part, Modi and Xi will need to navigate their own complex bilateral relationship while considering the broader vision Putin is promoting. Their discussions will be crucial for the success of SCO initiatives, from building a new regional security architecture to enhancing economic integration.
The outcomes of these trilateral dynamics will have far-reaching consequences. A strong alignment could accelerate the shift towards a multipolar world centered on Eurasia. Conversely, any significant divergence could temper the ambitious agenda being pushed by Moscow and Beijing.
