August 31 – September 1, Tianjin, China — The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit stands as a monumental event, marking a turning point in both regional and global diplomacy. This year’s summit gathered world leaders, most notably Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The high-profile summit didn’t just focus on regional security, but also aimed to create new diplomatic pathways for global cooperation.
Putin’s Vision for a More Inclusive Global System
Ahead of the summit, President Putin articulated a bold vision of cooperation between Russia and China, with a clear message that their efforts will be for the benefit of all humanity. He emphasized the need to reform global governance systems, advocating for a more inclusive, non-discriminatory approach to institutions like the World Bank and the IMF. Putin underscored the importance of a fairer global financial system—one that doesn’t isolate developing nations or use sanctions as a tool for political leverage. His message positioned BRICS and the SCO as central pillars in the evolving global structure, aimed at promoting equality among nations, especially in the Global South.
India and China Move Toward Normalization
One of the most significant developments at the SCO Summit was the announcement that India and China will resume direct flights. After years of strained relations, this agreement marks a crucial step toward rebuilding diplomatic ties. The decision comes after months of back-channel negotiations, and it reflects both nations’ intent to move beyond the challenges of the past. The resumed flights will serve as a direct link between major cities in India and China, paving the way for increased trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
This announcement marks a significant softening of the relationship between the two countries, following the turbulence of the Galwan Valley conflict. Resuming direct flights is a tangible sign of the desire to improve bilateral relations and reinstate cooperation at multiple levels, including economics, culture, and diplomacy.
SCO Summit: A Platform for Multilateral Cooperation
This year’s SCO Summit also served as an important platform for countries in the Global South to amplify their voices. With over 20 member states, the SCO continues to grow in both influence and relevance, especially in addressing global challenges. The summit’s outcomes reflected an increasing push for greater multilateral engagement, both in security and economic domains.
- Reforming Global Institutions: Putin’s call for reform echoed across many speeches at the summit. The growing power of BRICS and SCO member countries is pushing for a new world order—one that does not prioritize Western dominance but ensures equality for emerging and developing economies.
- India-China Thaw: The announcement of resuming direct flights between India and China marked a crucial diplomatic gesture. The decision follows the positive momentum of dialogue between the two countries, which have been in the process of rebuilding trust since their border clashes.
- Strengthening SCO’s Role: The SCO is increasingly seen as a platform that fosters cooperation not just in the security domain, but across economic, technological, and humanitarian issues. This year’s summit, with its growing number of participants and ever-expanding agenda, reinforces the organization’s potential to shape global affairs.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Global Diplomacy
The 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin has been a crucial juncture in global geopolitics, offering both symbolic gestures and practical outcomes. The resumption of India-China flights is a breakthrough in bilateral relations, while Putin’s call for reform represents a clear effort to reshape global governance to be more inclusive and representative of the Global South.
The SCO, underlining its expanding role in world affairs, has shown its potential as a pivotal platform in the coming years, where multilateral cooperation can lead to more balanced global solutions. The summit has created a path toward renewed diplomatic engagement and a more equitable global order, where both regional cooperation and global reforms go hand-in-hand.
