SCO Summit: Focus On Energy Security, Regional Connectivity And Counter-Terrorism

Visuals from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit show Prime Minister Narendra Modi having a brief handshake with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The meeting gains significance amid strategic differences and border discussions between India and China, including the visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Beijing for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Discussions also highlighted India's consistent position that bilateral issues should be resolved through dedicated mechanisms while ensuring that territorial integrity and sovereignty are respected within regional organisations.

For India, the grouping represents security, connectivity, and opportunity, with an emphasis on minimising differences and maximising consensus across the member states.

Key focus areas include expanding Central Asian and Eurasian connectivity, strengthening supply chains, exploring alternative payment systems, promoting startup ecosystems, and leveraging artificial intelligence for economic opportunities.