China will host the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, marking the fifth time it has done so and the largest summit since the organisation’s inception.

Leaders from over 20 countries are expected to attend, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Heads of international bodies such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres will also participate.

This summit presents China with a prime opportunity to assert its diplomatic influence amid a shifting global order. Its goals include pushing back against “hegemonism,” reinforcing cooperation on counterterrorism, renewable energy, and digitalisation, and unveiling the Tianjin Declaration .

For India, PM Modi’s participation - his first in China in seven years - signals a thaw in bilateral relations, especially following border tensions. Scheduled bilateral meets with President Xi and President Putin are expected to foster regional alignment.