India is prioritizing engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to enhance its strategic footprint in Central Asia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s July 2025 visit to China for the SCO summit highlights India’s efforts to balance diplomatic ties with China, while deepening regional cooperation and tackling shared security concerns.

BulletsIn

• India prioritizes SCO amid rising global geopolitical complexities.
• Jaishankar attends SCO summit in China, first visit since 2020 Galwan clash.
• India focuses on Central Asia for energy, connectivity, and market access.
• SCO enables dialogue with China, Pakistan, Russia under neutral platform.
• Helps India address terrorism, drug trafficking, and border security.
• Participation signals shift toward short-term strategic gains over ASEAN ties.
• India challenges China’s BRI influence through stronger Central Asia presence.
• Bilateral talks held with China, Russia, Iran during SCO summit.
• India balances rivalry and cooperation in evolving ties with China.
• SCO central to India’s regional policy and multilateral diplomatic strategy.