Will China Address India's Concerns in the SCO?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- China is expected to address India's concerns at the SCO summit.
- PM Modi's visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement after years of tension.
- The meeting aims to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Russia.
- Discussions will revolve around American tariffs and security threats.
- India seeks to emphasize its stance on terrorism.
New Delhi, Aug 31 (NationPress) Renowned journalist and foreign affairs analyst Waiel Awwad expressed optimism on Sunday that China will tend to India's apprehensions, paving the way for both nations to align on economic, political, and security matters.
Awwad spoke to IANS regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, highlighting its significance after a seven-year break and in light of recent Himalayan clashes.
He referenced former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, who believed that the two nations could coexist as trustworthy neighbors, emphasizing the need for a breakthrough on border-related issues.
Describing the meeting as a confidence-building measure, Awwad expressed hope that several key decisions would emerge from it.
The discussions among the India, China, and Russia 'troika' will focus on new American tariffs, security challenges, and strategies to enhance India's economy.
Regarding PM Modi's planned talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Awwad noted that US President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 percent tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil, while exempting China and the EU.
He underscored the importance of the meeting with Putin, stating it is crucial to reaffirm the value of bilateral relations, as Russia is one of India's most reliable allies.
Awwad remarked, "This meeting is vital not only bilaterally but also on the global stage, given India and Russia's collaboration on numerous international issues."
On the subject of terrorism, Awwad asserted, "At the SCO, India seeks to ensure its concerns regarding terrorism are prominently addressed, as the SCO was established to combat this threat."
He also pointed out that if it is true that Trump reached out to PM Modi without receiving a response, it could reflect India's stance against the increased tariffs and their impact on the economy.
With Trump indicating he will not attend the upcoming QUAD meeting in India, Awwad stated that the US-India relationship appears to be at a low point and emphasized the need for both leaders to resolve their issues before further deterioration.