Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on September 1, 2025, after concluding a significant four-day visit to Japan and China. The trip, spanning August 29 to September 1, showcased India’s growing role on the global stage. It was marked by the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo and the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. Calling the visit “productive,” PM Modi highlighted India’s stance on terrorism, security, connectivity, and economic cooperation while also deepening bilateral ties with two of Asia’s most influential nations.

Strengthening India-Japan Partnership

Modi’s first stop was Tokyo, where he participated in the India-Japan Annual Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The two leaders reviewed cooperation in critical areas such as infrastructure, technology, defence, and clean energy. Modi praised the outcomes of the summit, noting that India-Japan ties have grown stronger over the past decade and are poised for new heights. For the Indian diaspora in Japan, Modi’s presence was a moment of pride. Many community members, professionals, and students viewed the summit not just as a diplomatic exercise but as a reminder of India’s expanding influence in East Asia.

The SCO Summit: India’s Voice in Tianjin

On August 31 and September 1, Modi attended the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin. The summit gathered leaders from across Eurasia, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and heads of Central Asian states. The Prime Minister addressed the plenary session, underlining three core pillars for India’s engagement within the SCO: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. He urged member states to adopt stronger measures against terror financing and radicalisation, citing the recent Pahalgam terror attack as a grim reminder of the challenges India faces.

Celebrating Togetherness Across Shores

The summit was also notable for the personal warmth displayed among global leaders. On the sidelines, Modi held bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping, his first visit to China in seven years. The meeting stressed the importance of maintaining border peace and building mutual trust. Both leaders agreed that India and China should be “development partners, not rivals,” and that differences should not be allowed to escalate into disputes. 

Equally striking was Modi’s engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After the summit proceedings, both leaders traveled together in the same car to the venue of their bilateral meeting, an image that resonated with many Indians as a sign of strong friendship. During their talks, Modi and Putin discussed trade, defence cooperation, and energy security, while also addressing global concerns about India’s purchases of Russian oil. Modi reiterated that the India-Russia partnership is essential for global peace, stability, and prosperity.

SCO: A Brief Background

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic, and security group that has expanded significantly since its origins as the Shanghai Five in 1996. Initially formed by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to build border trust, it evolved into the SCO in 2001 when Uzbekistan joined. Today, the SCO includes ten full members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. It also has observers and dialogue partners, making it one of the most influential regional organizations. The SCO’s agenda spans counter-terrorism, energy cooperation, economic integration, and security coordination. 

For ordinary Indians, the SCO Summit was more than just a stage for speeches. Modi’s words on terrorism struck an emotional chord, particularly in the wake of recent attacks that claimed innocent lives. His insistence on holding states accountable for supporting terrorism reflected the pain of countless families back home. For the diaspora in Japan and China, Modi’s visit was an affirmation that India’s voice is being heard on global platforms. Seeing their Prime Minister engage with world leaders, whether sharing a car with Putin or shaking hands with Xi, gave many Indians abroad a sense of identity, pride, and belonging.

India’s Role in a Multipolar World

As Modi concluded his trip, he thanked President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government, and the people for hosting the summit. He also congratulated Kyrgyzstan for taking over the SCO presidency. The summit discussions touched on governance reforms, sustainable development, and peace-building, reflecting India’s broader vision of a multipolar world where cooperation replaces confrontation. By balancing diplomacy with Japan, engaging constructively with China, and reaffirming the long-standing partnership with Russia, Modi’s visit demonstrated India’s ability to navigate complex geopolitics with confidence and maturity.