Behind closed doors: Real story of SCO Summit What whispers travelled amongst Xi, Putin, and Modi?

Xi, Putin and Modi's Strategic Dance Re- shapes Asian Power Bal- ance

- by.C. A, Saliva

lhe recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit may have appeared as just another diplomatic gathering on the surface. However, a closer examination reveals a complex web of strategic maneuvering between three of Asia's most influential leaders: China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and India's Narendra Modi.

While official photographs showed polite handshakes and carefully worded joint statements, the real drama unfolded away from the cameras. In private meetings and informal discussions, these leaders were quietly reshaping the balance of power in Asia and beyond.

Setting the Stage Before the Summit

Even before the first delegate arrived, each leader had already begun positioning their country for maximum advantage. The groundwork for what would transpire during the summit had been carefully laid months in advance.

China, as the region's economic powerhouse, came with a clear agenda. President Xi Jinping aimed to strengthen his vision of a multipolar world - one where Western influence, particularly from the United States, would be significantly reduced. His strategy focused on promoting the SCO as a serious alternative to Western-dominated organizations like NATO.

Russia's President Putin arrived with different but complementary objectives. Facing ongoing Western sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict, he desperately needed to demonstrate that Russia remained a relevant global power. Putin's primary goals were securing continued economic partnerships and gaining at least quiet support for Russia's military actions in Ukraine.