This development arises as India and Russia seek to enhance their bilateral ties in light of the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The United States has enacted a 50 percent tariff on Indian products, which includes a 25 percent penalty for acquiring discounted crude oil from Moscow. The White House Trade Adviser has consistently criticized India for prioritizing its energy requirements, accusing New Delhi of functioning as a “laundromat for the Kremlin”. The White House Trade adviser has voiced his discontent regarding India’s efforts to cultivate its relationship with Russia and China, particularly as PM Modi is presently participating in the SCO Summit in Tianjin. In his address at the SCO, PM Modi emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity among member states to facilitate trade. “India has always maintained that robust connectivity not only enhances trade but also paves the way for growth and trust. With this perspective, we are advancing initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. This will assist us in improving connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.” Elaborating on the third pillar, PM Modi remarked that the opportunities for collaboration and reform in 2023 during India’s presidency have introduced new energy ideas.
“Startups, innovation, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and shared Buddhist heritage were new domains that India incorporated. Our aim was to broaden the SCO’s scope beyond governmental frameworks,” PM Modi stated. Russian President Putin remarked that dialogue within the SCO contributes to establishing the groundwork for a new Eurasian security framework, superseding outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic paradigms. “The SCO is progressively amplifying its influence in tackling international challenges. National currencies are increasingly being utilized in mutual settlements for trade among SCO nations. The rate of development in cooperation within the SCO is remarkable,” Putin noted. Furthermore, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to uphold principles of fairness and justice during the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO.”We must promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, and oppose the Cold War mentality, block confrontation and bullying practices,” Xi said. The SCO Summit 2025 reflects the growing importance of multipolarity in global governance as US President Donald Trump’s transactional bullying alienated most of its allies.
