When Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Xi Jinping on August 31 in Beijing, the optics alone were enough to make global capitals sit up. Smiles, handshakes, and carefully worded communiqués may seem like the routine fare of diplomacy, but the subtext was electric: two Asian giants, bound by a bloody border history and a trust deficit, were trying to draft a new script of cooperation in the shadow of Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs and America’s waning credibility in Asia.

The Modi–Xi encounter was not just a bilateral exchange but a message to the world — that India and China may choose wary pragmatism over endless hostility. Yet, the path from intent to outcome is strewn with formidable challenges. Can these two ancient civilizations, which together command one-third of humanity, truly replace America as New Delhi’s principal strategic partner? Or will their history of rivalry, divergent ambitions, and mutual suspicion continue to restrain the promise of this reset?

The SCO Dilemma: A Vajpayee Moment?

For India, the SCO summit evokes a historical parallel: can Modi pull off a Vajpayee-like breakthrough? When Atal Bihari Vajpayee reached out to Pakistan with his Lahore bus journey, he reframed South Asian diplomacy, albeit temporarily. Modi today faces a similar dilemma: should India pursue peace with compromise, or seek leverage through pressure?

If New Delhi confines itself to border disputes, the relationship will remain frozen. But if it embraces a multi-dimensional strategy — spanning economics, counter-terrorism, technology, and climate change — India–China ties could evolve into a new Asian partnership. That requires political courage, public persuasion, and careful risk management.

SCO Endorsement Strengthens India’s Anti-Terror Stand

At the Tianjin summit, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) extended unequivocal backing to India by condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and aligning with New Delhi’s call for a united global front against terrorism, including the menace of cross-border infiltration. The declaration, adopted by consensus, reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sharp message against double standards in tackling terror and reiterated that no justification can be given for such violence. For India, this endorsement enhances diplomatic leverage against Pakistan’s proxy war strategy and consolidates support from Eurasian powers, giving New Delhi a stronger hand in shaping regional security discourse.

Global Power Play and the Trump........

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