International diplomacy is no less than a cricket match. You need to score runs, defend your wicket, and hit boundaries at the right time. The only difference is—here the bat and ball are replaced with words and strategies.
This week, one of the most important “tournaments” in diplomacy took place: the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025.
For India, this Summit turned out to be a masterstroke moment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only represented India with strength but also managed to balance relations with global powers like Pakistan, the United States, Russia, and China.
Let’s break down the five key achievements that made this SCO Summit truly historic for India.
1. Exposing Pakistan on Terrorism
The biggest highlight was India’s bold stance against terrorism.
PM Modi openly mentioned the Pahalgam terror attack and made it clear that the world cannot afford “double standards” on terrorism.
Without naming, his words were a direct message to Pakistan: countries that support terrorism should have no place on international platforms.
For the first time, SCO members including Russia and Central Asian nations acknowledged India’s point. The old Pakistani narrative of “we are victims of terror too” collapsed completely.
Even more significant—Pakistan itself had to sign the declaration against terrorism. That’s a major diplomatic victory for India.
2. Friendship With Russia, Ignoring US Pressure
Recently, the US imposed tariffs on India, trying to create economic pressure. Normally, any country would become defensive in such a situation. But India chose the opposite.
At the SCO Summit, the world saw PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin walking together, chatting casually, and even traveling in the same car for talks.
This was not just a photo opportunity—it was a strong symbol that India will not bow to external pressure.
The message was clear: India has an independent foreign policy. The partnership with the US is important, but India is not anyone’s puppet.
3. Opening a Door With China
India and China have faced serious tensions since the Galwan clash—border disputes, trade frictions, and mistrust. But at the SCO Summit, the visuals told a different story.
Modi and Xi Jinping were seen exchanging light conversation and maintaining a softer body language.
It does not mean India and China became close friends overnight, but it showed that dialogue channels remain open.
In diplomacy, keeping the door open is often more important than signing big deals.
4. Forcing the US Into Damage Control
When images of India engaging with Russia and China reached Washington, alarms went off.
Very quickly, the US Treasury Secretary made a public statement: “India and the US are friends, and our disputes will be resolved.”
Normally, the US does not react so fast on third-party platforms. But this time, silence would have created the impression that India was moving closer to Russia and China.
So the US had no choice but to step in. For India, this was a double gain—its credibility at SCO went up, and the US was forced into a defensive mode.
5. Blocking Azerbaijan’s Entry Into SCO
Another strong decision was India’s veto against Azerbaijan’s membership in SCO.
Azerbaijan maintains close ties with Turkey and Pakistan.
Turkey has repeatedly interfered in India’s internal matters, especially Kashmir, and Pakistan is already hostile.
If Azerbaijan entered SCO, this anti-India narrative would have been amplified. By blocking it, India sent a clear message: national interests come first, and India is ready to take tough decisions.
Conclusion: A Grand Slam Moment for India
Looking at these five achievements, it’s clear that SCO Summit 2025 was a grand slam victory for India.
Pakistan was exposed on terrorism.
India maintained independent ties with Russia despite US pressure.
China saw signs of minimal engagement instead of a complete freeze.
The US was forced to react defensively.
Azerbaijan’s entry was blocked, showing India’s decisiveness.
In short, India played its diplomatic cards smartly and ensured wins on multiple fronts. This is why the SCO Summit 2025 will be remembered as historic for India.
👉 What do you think was India’s biggest achievement at this Summit?
Was it exposing Pakistan, balancing Russia and the US, or blocking Azerbaijan?
Share your views in the comments.
Jai Hind. Vande Mataram.
