Last week we discussed India's desire for a pliant Pakistan; its persistent policy of 'hedging' by benefiting from all power centres; its presumed aspiration of 'strategic autonomy' in a world, carefully avoiding bloc politics; its emphasis on a multipolar Asia and multipolar world, where it has greater room for maneuver, playing sides; and its championing the cause of Global South. These and other theatrics were at play in Modi's ear-to-ear smiles and warm handshakes during the August 31-September 1, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, China. This 25th SCO summit featuring 10 countries was attended by over 20 world leaders. PM Modi's summit fanfare, visiting China after seven years, was ostensibly a nimble rebuke to President Trump, for 50% tariffs on Indian imports.

Chinese President Xi Jinping presided this largest SCO meeting, hosted for the second time by China, wherein he proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), emphasising 'a more just and equitable global governance system' through 'a shared future for humanity'. Xi enunciated five principles under the GGI, namely sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centred approach, and focus on performance/real actions. He asked participants to carry forward what he termed the 'Shanghai Spirit' that underlines clear stand against hegemony and power politics, and suggests true multilateralism. Multipolarity was the central message of the summit, in line with Indian policy aspirations.

China's line of argument is an extension of Beijing's policy formulation for a 'harmonious world', China's peaceful rise and avoidance of conflict. President Xi pledged $280 million aid alongside $1.4 billion in loans to member........

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