Emerging Dynamics in Russia-India-China Relations Highlighted at SCO Summit

New International Relations Framework

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, emphasized the strengthening ties among Russia, India, and China, suggesting this marks the emergence of a 'qualitatively new system' in global relations. He shared this insight on social media, referencing a moment where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping were together, and highlighted the significance of multipolarity in today's world.

We are witnessing the formation of a qualitatively new system of international relations. https://t.co/8QsWuC0NhG

— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) August 31, 2025

Ulyanov's comments followed a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. The leaders acknowledged the positive trajectory of their bilateral relations since their previous encounter in Kazan at the BRICS Summit in October 2024. They reiterated their status as development partners rather than competitors, emphasizing the need for a stable relationship built on mutual respect and interests, which is essential for both nations and the broader multipolar world.

The post shared by Ulyanov featured a trilateral meeting of Russia, India, and China that took place in Buenos Aires during the G20 Summit in 2018.

Deepening engagement with valued development partners.

President Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping and PM @narendramodi participate in the RIC (Russia, India, China) trilateral in Buenos Aires. @KremlinRussia pic.twitter.com/G8zj5C1ezZ

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2018

Currently, Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day official visit to China, participating in the 25th SCO Heads of State Council summit from August 31 to September 1. Earlier, he engaged in bilateral discussions with President Xi and is scheduled to meet President Putin on Monday after the summit. During his dialogue with Xi, Modi stressed the importance of maintaining peace along their shared borders to foster ongoing development in their relations.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the successful disengagement that occurred last year and the subsequent maintenance of peace along the border. They committed to resolving boundary issues through a fair and mutually acceptable approach, considering the long-term interests of both nations.

They acknowledged the significant decisions made by their Special Representatives in recent talks and agreed to bolster their collaborative efforts. Additionally, they recognized the importance of enhancing people-to-people connections through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visas. PM Modi extended an invitation to President Xi for the BRICS Summit that India will host in 2026, to which Xi expressed gratitude and offered support for India's BRICS Presidency.