India Secures SCO Criticism Against Pahalgam and Its Backers

In a significant turn of events, leaders from various countries gathered in Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting. Among the attendees were Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The meeting, held amidst growing discord within the US alliance with European and Asian countries, and amidst the disorder and chaos in global trade caused by President Trump's tariff tantrums, brought about a major geopolitical shift.

One of the key topics of discussion was the ongoing war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi made a plea to President Putin to find ways to end the conflict, a move that signified the Indian leader's commitment to global peace. This is not the first time PM Modi has broached the subject with President Putin, indicating a consistent approach from India towards resolving international conflicts.

India's pacifist philosophy and its view on war were also discussed during the meeting. PM Modi emphasised India's strategic autonomy, a principle that was evident in his practical view of tariffs. India chose not to impose retaliatory tariffs on the USA, demonstrating its commitment to diplomacy over trade disputes.

The SCO, often perceived as a regional security organization with limited influence, has recently emerged as a significant player in the global political landscape. The organization is seen as an alternative worldview centered on a fairer multipolar world order. The recent meeting, therefore, marked a significant step towards this vision.

The member states of the SCO also condemned the military strikes by Israel in Gaza, which resulted in numerous casualties and a catastrophic situation of hunger and starvation. India, representing a country most affected by Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism, used the platform to emphasise that terrorism poses a threat to peace.

PM Modi's appeal to President Putin on behalf of humanity might carry more weight due to not being a transactional leader. His actions and words during the SCO meeting demonstrate India's strategic autonomy, a principle that is becoming increasingly important in the current global political climate.

Moreover, the convergence of the leaders of China, India, and Russia at the SCO meeting is significant and is seen as setting the ball rolling in a new direction. The SCO meeting provided an opportunity for PM Modi to discuss various issues with President Putin, including the war in Ukraine, which they discussed during a ride in Putin's Russian-made limousine.

The SCO meeting also exposed the double standards in the USA's reading of wars around the world, as it linked the financing of the Ukraine war to India's purchase of discounted Russian oil. Despite this, India has maintained a neutral stance, choosing not to engage in any escalating trade disputes.

In conclusion, the SCO meeting in Tianjin marked a significant shift in the global political landscape. The discussions and decisions made during the meeting have the potential to reshape the world order, moving towards a fairer, more multipolar system.