Russia Affirms Growing Strategic Alignment with India and China
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia, India, and China are increasingly aware of their common interests and are developing their partnership. His comments followed a display of camaraderie between the leaders of the three nations at the recent SCO summit. Lavrov highlighted that the three major powers see mutual benefits in cooperation on economic development and social issues. This assertion of a growing trilateral convergence signals a significant geopolitical shift amid changing global dynamics and Western pressures.
Unpacked:
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a regional intergovernmental group focused on security, economic, and cultural cooperation. Its main members include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.
At the 2025 SCO summit, the three countries agreed to collaborate on capacity building, green economy, digital economy, countering organized crime, and combating illicit narcotics, among other areas. Plans include establishing a SCO Development Bank and four security centers.
This trilateral convergence among Russia, India, and China signals a move to counterbalance Western influence and pressure. It reflects their intent to pursue regional priorities and strategic interests independent of Western-led alliances, especially given Russia’s isolation after the Ukraine war.
India’s SCO membership enhances its status as a pan-Asian player, strengthens counter-terrorism cooperation, and provides a platform for balancing Chinese regional dominance. It also deepens India’s ties with Russia, which supported India’s membership to act as a counterweight to China.