India shows defiance to US pressure through strategic SCO engagement with China, Russia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday concluded a "productive" visit to China, where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the port city, held bilateral talks with leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and welcomed the grouping's unanimous condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack along with its assertion that "double standards" in combating terrorism are unacceptable.

- MPOST BUREAU

India utilised its participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to recalibrate diplomatic relationships with both China and Russia, adjusting its strategic positioning amid evolving global trade tensions. The two-day summit in Tianjin, bringing together leaders from ten nations, demonstrated collective defiance to American pressure regarding India's bilateral ties with Beijing and Moscow.

The prime minister, on the final leg of his two-nation visit, said in a social media post that he highlighted India's position on "key global issues".

"Concluding a productive visit to China, where I attended the SCO Summit and interacted with various world leaders. Also highlighted India's stand on key global issues," Modi wrote on X.

Earlier on Monday, the SCO strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and aligned with India's stance that "double standards" in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable. The grouping listed its strong resolve to combat terrorism in a declaration unveiled at the end of its two-day annual summit, attended by Modi, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and other global leaders.

The SCO member states also condemned the military strikes by Israel in Gaza, citing numerous civilian casualties and a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The terror attacks in Khuzdar and on the Jaffer Express in Pakistan's Balochistan province were also condemned.