On September 1, 2025, leaders from Russia, China, and India—Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Narendra Modi—met in Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This meeting presented an opportunity for Putin to interact directly with key oil purchasers from his country as India and China have increasingly turned to Russian oil, which became more affordable due to Western sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The alignment of interests among these three nations is notable, particularly as they share a common concern regarding U.S. sanctions and tariffs. India has faced significant duties from the U.S. for its oil purchases from Russia, while China is still in negotiations to mitigate potential sanctions. The SCO aims to promote a cooperative stance among its members as a counterpoint to Western influence.
Economically, Russia stands to gain from strong ties with its largest trading partners, China and India, who have supported Moscow’s economy amidst the loss of relations with Western countries. Last year, China imported over 100 million tonnes of Russian crude oil, while oil transactions with India surged to approximately $140 billion after the Ukraine conflict.
Despite pressures from the U.S., India has benefited from discounted Russian oil, revitalizing its energy supplies after traditionally relying on Middle Eastern resources. Modi recently emphasized continued cooperation with Russia, asserting that India will pursue the best energy deals available.
The SCO summit also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, as China seeks to position itself as a prominent alternative to U.S. influence. Countries in attendance are navigating their economic interests amidst an evolving global landscape, suggesting a shift towards greater collaboration among these major powers.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c627p49lp40o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss