According to reporter Marco Imarisio, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi explicitly told Putin that the “infinite war” must end, while Russia continues to push China for the completion of the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline.
India Pressures Russia for Ukraine Peace Process
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Vladimir Putin to work toward a cessation of hostilities and resolve conflicts through peaceful means during their bilateral meeting in Bishkek. Imarisio reports that Putin appeared uncomfortable during the exchange, responding briefly that Russia is “moving on this road” without providing further detail.
Despite the friction over Ukraine, the two leaders maintained public diplomatic ties, attending the opening of the World Nomad Games together. Putin provided Modi transportation in an Aurus, a vehicle produced by the Russian automotive industry.
Did you know? The SCO consists of ten member states: Russia, Belarus, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Power of Siberia-2: Russia’s Economic Dependency on China
A primary focus of the summit was the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline. This project aims to transport up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Western Siberia to China via Mongolia. According to economist Nikita Maslennikov, the project has stalled due to disagreements over contract pricing and the level of Chinese investment.
Putin has attempted to incentivize Chinese cooperation by offering to make the visa-free regime between the two nations permanent. Imarisio notes that this mobility has already led to a perceived “colonization” of the Russian Far East by Chinese workers, creating a paradox for the Kremlin’s nationalist rhetoric.
The pipeline is critical for Gazprom and the broader Russian energy sector. It serves as a necessary alternative to the European market, allowing Russia to pivot its energy exports toward the East.
RIC Format and Non-Western Geopolitics
The meetings in Bishkek reinforce the "RIC" format—Russia, India, and China.
While the RIC framework suggests unity, the priorities of the members differ sharply:
- Russia: Seeking economic certainty and infrastructure investment from China.
- India: Pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
- China: Maintaining a “tangential” approach to the war while leveraging Russia’s economic needs for better trade terms.
Strategic Insight: Watch the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi (September 12-13) and the APEC Forum in Shenzhen (November) for further developments.
FAQ: The SCO Summit and Russia-China Relations
What is the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline?
It is a proposed gas pipeline designed to move 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year from Western Siberia to China through Mongolia.
Why is India pressing Russia at the SCO summit?
Prime Minister Modi has called for an end to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing a return to peaceful resolutions to stabilize the region.
What is the RIC format?
The RIC refers to the strategic alignment between Russia, India, and China, which together influence the geopolitical direction of the Global South.
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