Is a Shift Underway in India’s Foreign Policy
Context
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PM Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin (September 1, 2025), alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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The summit showcased India’s balancing act amid growing global tensions between the West and Eurasian powers.
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India’s longstanding strategic autonomy policy is being tested by current geo-economic and military developments.
Key Developments at the SCO Summit
Photograph of Troika
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The image of Modi, Xi, and Putin together garnered worldwide attention.
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It raised concerns in the West, especially in the U.S., over India’s perceived shift towards Russia and China.
Statements from Leaders
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Xi promoted a “Global Governance Initiative”.
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Modi advocated for “civilisational dialogue” among SCO nations.
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The SCO declaration criticised “coercive, unilateral” economic actions, seen as a response to U.S. tariffs and sanctions.
India–China Relations
Modi-Xi Meeting
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First bilateral meeting since the Galwan clash in 2020.
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Xi described India and China as “partners, not rivals”.
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India softened its stance on linking border normalisation with broader diplomatic engagement.
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Agreed to:
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Discuss border issues via Special Representatives (Wang Yi & Ajit Doval).
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Resume flights, visa facilitation, and the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
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Resolve trade-related disputes.
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India–Russia–China Dynamics
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The trilateral interaction did not yet formalise a new strategic axis but signalled openness for dialogue.
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Modi’s gesture of leading Putin toward Xi symbolically reinforced India’s diplomatic flexibility.
India–U.S. Relations and Reactions
U.S. Reaction
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President Trump mocked the troika, suggesting India and Russia were “lost” to China.
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Trade adviser Navarro criticised India’s closeness to Russia and China.
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Some U.S. commentators accused India of siding with Russia in the Ukraine conflict – dismissed by India as misleading.
Conciliatory Turnaround
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By the end of the week, Trump softened his stance, calling India a “special partner”.
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Modi reciprocated, acknowledging a “positive assessment” of Indo-U.S. relations.
Ongoing Issues
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Disputes remain over:
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Russian oil imports.
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Tariff hikes (50% by the U.S.).
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Access to agriculture and dairy markets.
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Military cooperation and dialogue continue despite political rhetoric.
Broader Strategic Implications
Strategic Autonomy
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India’s actions reflect its longstanding policy of balancing relations with multiple powers rather than aligning exclusively with one bloc.
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The SCO participation was long planned and aimed at stabilising ties post-Galwan.
Western Pressure vs Eurasian Outreach
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The U.S.’s tariff and sanction measures push India towards Eurasian platforms like SCO and BRICS.
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India aims to preserve energy access, trade opportunities, and diplomatic flexibility.
Looking Forward
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Upcoming meetings:
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UN General Assembly – Jaishankar’s visit to the U.S.
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Potential Quad summit in India with Trump’s visit.
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Future talks may shape compromises on trade, sanctions, and security cooperation.
