Modi in China: PM Modi’s Address at SCO Summit Plenary Session Marks Day 2 With Key Global Signals

Day 2 at the SCO Summit: The Stage for Modi’s Message

On September 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, marking the centerpiece of his two-day visit. With world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and heads of Central Asian nations present, Modi’s speech was closely watched for its tone and content—given the backdrop of border tensions, trade wars, and shifting global alliances.

The Significance of the SCO Plenary

The SCO is not just a regional bloc; it is a geopolitical theater where India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Central Asian states attempt to balance cooperation with rivalry. Modi’s address at the plenary was particularly crucial for three reasons:

1. It was his first address on Chinese soil in seven years, after the 2018 Qingdao Summit.
2. The session came after his bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping, where both leaders discussed border management, trade restrictions, and tariff solidarity.
3. The speech was positioned at a time when U.S. tariffs on India, Russia’s war-linked isolation, and China’s strained economy made multilateral forums more relevant than ever.

Key Themes of Modi’s Speech

1. Call for Regional Stability

Modi emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence among SCO members, stressing that disputes must be resolved through dialogue. Without naming Pakistan or China, his message on terrorism and border violations was seen as a subtle reminder of India’s concerns.

2. Economic Cooperation

The Prime Minister urged members to strengthen trade and supply chains, particularly in energy, agriculture, and technology. He highlighted India’s growth story and invited SCO partners to collaborate in clean energy and digital transformation.

3. Security and Counterterrorism

Modi reiterated India’s stand against cross-border terrorism, calling it the biggest hurdle to development in the region. His words were directed at the collective need to isolate those who shelter or finance extremist networks.

4. People-to-People Ties

India’s cultural diplomacy was visible in Modi’s remarks about education, tourism, and religious pilgrimages. He welcomed China’s decision to reopen Kailash Mansarovar routes for Indian devotees, calling it a gesture that builds trust.

5. Climate and Sustainability

In line with India’s global positioning, Modi called for green technology adoption and cooperative climate policies, positioning India as a champion of sustainable growth within Asia.

Geopolitical Undertones

The plenary session was not just about speeches—it was about the signals sent.

• India–China optics: Modi’s presence and Xi’s formal welcome suggested that both sides want to avoid open confrontation, even as border issues remain unresolved.
• India–Russia solidarity: With Putin in attendance, Modi’s balanced remarks underscored India’s strategic autonomy, refusing to bend to Western pressures while maintaining old partnerships.
• India vs. Pakistan narrative: Modi’s veiled remarks on terrorism once again spotlighted Pakistan, reinforcing India’s narrative without direct confrontation.

Impact on India’s Global Image

By speaking at the SCO plenary, Modi projected India as:

• A responsible regional power committed to peace.
• An emerging economic leader pushing for new trade partnerships.
• A balancing force amid China–Russia alignment and U.S.–West pressure.

This dual positioning—cooperating with China and Russia while retaining ties with the U.S. and QUAD—highlights India’s multi-alignment strategy.

What Comes Next?

The plenary address will set the stage for:

• More structured India–China dialogue on border and trade.
• Stronger India–Russia cooperation in energy and defense, despite global sanctions.
• Expanded role for India in SCO counterterrorism mechanisms.

• • Future cultural exchanges and connectivity projects to enhance people-to-people trust.