Last year, global attention was focused on the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where leaders such as China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and India’s Narendra Modi gathered. This year, however, the summit took on a more muted tone as it was held virtually, with India as the host country. The shorter joint declaration and absence of typical group photos and sideline meetings raised questions about the reasons behind India’s decision to hold a virtual summit.
Observers suggest that Indian Prime Minister Modi, who has been strengthening ties with the United States, may have wanted to avoid the optics of hosting Putin and Xi amid Western sensitivities. Moreover, Putin, who faced a significant threat to his power from an armed rebellion, may have preferred a low-profile appearance. China, on the other hand, has been working to repair its relations with Europe and engaging without a face-to-face meeting with Putin would have made it easier to manage its diplomacy.
While the virtual format may have reduced the international scrutiny and provided certain advantages to the key leaders, it doesn’t imply that the SCO or bilateral relations between countries like China and Russia are of lesser importance. The SCO remains significant for Russia and China to manage their balance of power in Central Asia and counter Western influence. Face-to-face meetings, although missed this year, can provide opportunities for leaders to discuss sensitive issues and push their respective agendas.