Days after Wagner coup, Putin to meet Modi and Xi Jinping at SCO Summit. What you need to know

Russian President, Vladimir Putin to meet Indian PM, Narendra Modi and the Chinese paramount, Xi Jinping, marking Putin's first appearance at an international event since the suppression of a rebellion by the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin in June.

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will virtually meet today (July 4), with India hosting the summit in a bid to enhance the influence of the Eurasian sphere. The summit, apart from other geopolitical issues will aim to discuss the potential inclusion of Iran and Belarus as members of the organisation.

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POV India

The summit follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent state visit to the United States, during which the two countries emphasised their close partnership. 

• As India currently holds the SCO presidency and the G20 presidency, it faces the challenge of balancing diplomatic relations with Western nations and the Russia-China alliance, given Moscow's actions in Ukraine and Beijing's assertive global presence.
• Ahead of the summit, Putin spoke with Modi to discuss the aftermath of the mercenary mutiny and Modi reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy regarding the war in Ukraine. During a previous summit, Modi emphasised the need for peaceful resolutions, highlighting that it is 'not an era of war'.

• Despite criticism from some in the West, India has refused to hold Russia responsible for the war in Ukraine and has increased bilateral trade, particularly in Russian crude.
• The virtual summit will provide an opportunity for Modi to engage with Xi for the first time since the G20 summit at Bali in November 2022.
• New Delhi might emphasise combatting "cross-border terrorism," addressing Pakistan's alleged involvement in supporting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
• India may also stress the importance of respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty, directed towards China, with whom it has been engaged in a tense border standoff for three years.

Furthermore, both Putin and Xi are expected to visit New Delhi in September for the G20 summit, which will be attended by Biden and other world leaders. The SCO, founded by Russia and China to counter Western alliances, has served as an opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to showcase India's growing global influence. India is a member since 2017.

POV Russia

President Vladimir Putin will attend the virtual SCO summit, marking his first multilateral summit appearance following an armed rebellion in Russia last week.

• Russia and China involved in the War on Ukraine might now want to discuss the ongoing instability and hostilities in the war but are expected to emphasise security and economic cooperation, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, and addressing climate change.
• Analysts note that while the Russian-Ukrainian conflict won't be a central topic during the summit but its impact on developing countries food and fuel security will be roped in by the Russians to hide its volatility.
• On the other hand, Putin might look to seek support from the member states, in case of situations getting out of Russian hands this summer.
• The Russians will look to demonstrate resilience and credibility in the face of Western isolation. The SCO also includes Central Asian countries except Turkmenistan where Russia has strong influence.
• Induction of Iran and Belarus, likewise is an attempt by the Russia-China nexus to assert dominance.

As the SCO continues to expand its influence, it remains a relevant and concerning group for the West. Russia-China's efforts to make the SCO an anti-West grouping are against Indian interests and principles too.

POV China

• China, the senior partner in the Russia-China grouping is on the lookout to secure its geopolitical influence, expand regional cooperation, counter Western influence, promote security and stability, pursue economic interests, and engage in multilateral diplomacy.
• China aims to strengthen ties with member states, challenge Western alliances, deepen economic integration, address security challenges, advance trade relations, and project itself as a 'responsible global actor'.

Through the SCO, China seeks to shape regional dynamics, strengthen partnerships, and further its strategic goals in Eurasia.

A bit about the SCO

• Established in 2001 by China and Russia, the SCO comprises eight member states, including four former Soviet Central Asian nations, India, and Pakistan.
• Serving as a political and security group, the SCO seeks to counter Western dominance in Eurasia.
• The expected admission of Iran as a member and the signing of a memorandum of obligations by Belarus, both of which enjoy observer status and close ties with Moscow, will extend the SCO's reach in both Europe and Asia.