Online Desk : Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and over 20 Eurasian leaders on Monday at a high-profile Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, aiming to solidify Beijing’s role as a central force in regional diplomacy and security.

The summit, held in the northern port city of Tianjin, marks the final day of a two-day gathering of leaders from across Asia and Eurasia. Monday’s “opening ceremony” — the first time all the participating heads of state were present together — saw Xi deliver a keynote speech promoting cooperation, “mutual benefit”, and “equality”.

The SCO includes major powers such as China, India, Russia, and Pakistan, along with Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the newest full member, Belarus. An additional 16 countries participate as observers or dialogue partners.

The summit comes just days before a major military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, underscoring China`s rising geopolitical ambitions and historical narrative.

Putin arrived Sunday with a high-level delegation of political and business figures. During the summit, Xi held several bilateral meetings, including with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko — a close Putin ally — and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting China for the first time since 2018.

Modi told Xi that India remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties based on "mutual trust, dignity, and sensitivity." Relations between the two Asian giants have been strained since a deadly border clash in 2020, though the ice began to thaw with their meeting in Russia last October.

Security was tight in Tianjin, with large parts of the city closed to traffic and a heavy police presence. SCO-themed banners with slogans such as “mutual benefit” lined the streets in both Chinese and Russian.

Often portrayed by China and Russia as a counterbalance to Western-led blocs like NATO, the SCO summit takes on added significance this year — the first since Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency.

Among the attendees are Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Putin is expected to hold separate talks with both leaders on critical issues including the war in Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Many of the summit leaders are also scheduled to attend Wednesday’s military parade in Beijing, which will include North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, further amplifying the event’s geopolitical weight.