The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit opened in Tianjin on August 31, drawing more than 20 world leaders.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is attending, reflecting Tehran’s push to strengthen ties with eastern partners as Western sanctions continue to weigh on its economy.
For Iran, the forum offers a platform to deepen cooperation with China, Russia, and regional neighbors while navigating mounting geopolitical pressures.
On the sidelines, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in their first formal talks in seven years.
Modi voiced readiness to rebuild relations on the basis of trust and respect, while Xi described India and China as partners with shared responsibilities for stability in Asia.
Xi also tied the discussion to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, saying both countries should focus on long-term cooperation instead of rivalry.
The meeting comes just days after Washington imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports in response to New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil.
Analysts suggest this may drive India closer to Beijing at a time when both are seeking to balance Western pressure with new regional alignments.