Leaders of China, Russia and India are among heads of state meeting to counter US influence

Leaders of China, Russia and India are among heads of state gathering in Kyrgyzstan for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a grouping aimed at countering U.S. influence. The summit, held in Bishkek, brings together representatives from ten member states including Russia, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with several dialogue partners. Among the key figures attending are Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event marks another step in efforts by these major powers to assert themselves on the global stage amid growing tensions with Western institutions. The summit coincides with heightened geopolitical dynamics, particularly as Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fourth and a half year, and Iran faces escalating conflict with the United States and Israel. Both nations see the SCO as a crucial platform to deepen ties with non-Western allies. During the summit, Putin and Xi Jinping engaged in a bilateral session, during which Putin expressed willingness to make the existing visa-free regime between Russia and China permanent. This move underscores the deepening strategic alignment between the two nations, which have long positioned the SCO as an alternative to Western-led organizations such as the G7. The SCO, established in 2001 by China, Russia and four Central Asian states, began as a regional security forum. Over the past quarter-century, it has expanded its membership and influence, though its objectives remain largely undefined and its international visibility limited. Despite this, the organization has gained traction as a counterbalance to Western-dominated structures. In recent years, China has actively sought to broaden the SCO’s reach and impact, offering development and financial aid to member states. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently highlighted the organization’s success in exploring a “new path for regional cooperation.” India, a key member of the SCO, has used the platform to assert its presence in the region, even as it navigates complex relationships with both China and Pakistan, both of which are also SCO members. Analysts suggest that while the summit offers India opportunities for strategic signaling, its outcomes may be more symbolic than substantial. Dinakar Peri, a fellow in security studies at Carnegie India, noted that the SCO provides India with a chance to monitor shifting geopolitical trends and safeguard its interests. He described the forum as giving New Delhi a “first-hand view of the region” and enabling it to “hedge its position with others.” Turkey, which holds dialogue partner status within the SCO, also aims to leverage the summit to bolster its influence in Eurasia. The country maintains traditional ties with the West through NATO but seeks to enhance its standing in the broader region. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who elevated Turkey to “dialogue partner” status in 2012, has publicly expressed aspirations for the country to become a full member. This ambition reflects Turkey’s desire to balance its relationships with both Western and Eastern powers. As the summit progresses, expectations remain high for diplomatic engagement and strategic coordination among members. However, given the diverse interests and varying levels of commitment among participants, the actual depth of collaboration remains uncertain. With the U.S.-China summit approaching, the SCO’s role in shaping regional dynamics is likely to gain further attention.