After three years of international isolation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a significant return to the global stage, re-establishing ties with China and India during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tian, China. The summit, opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping, marked a pivotal moment for Russia as it seeks to rebuild its diplomatic and economic relationships with key global powers. This move comes in the wake of widespread sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, which have left the country diplomatically and economically isolated.
Putin’s attendance at the SCO summit underscores his efforts to reposition Russia on the world stage and strengthen its strategic partnerships. India, a major economic and political player in the region, has been a key ally for Russia despite its complex relationship with the West. The summit provided an opportunity for Putin to reaffirm Russia’s commitment to its partnership with India and China, two countries that have remained largely supportive of Russia’s geopolitical stance.
While the summit did not yield immediate economic agreements, it signaled Russia’s intent to deepen its economic ties with these nations. Analysts suggest that the summit was more about political signaling than concrete economic deals, as both China and India continue to navigate their own economic challenges and international relations with the West. Despite the challenges, the summit represented a strategic move for Putin to rebuild Russia’s global influence and reduce its dependence on Western allies.