Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organisations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, has described the strengthening partnership between Russia, India, and China as the emergence of a “qualitatively new system of international relations” at a time of global economic and political uncertainty.
In a post on X, Ulyanov reshared an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping together, accompanied by a message on multipolarity. “We are witnessing the formation of a qualitatively new system of international relations,” he wrote.
The envoy’s comments came after Prime Minister Modi and President Xi met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Sunday. The two leaders welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral ties since their October 2024 meeting in Kazan during the BRICS Summit and reaffirmed that India and China are “development partners, not rivals.”
They emphasized that differences must not turn into disputes and underlined the need for stable relations based on mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity—seen as essential not only for the two countries’ growth but also for shaping a multipolar Asia and world order.
The leaders also discussed the boundary issue, noting the successful disengagement and peace maintained along the border since last year. They expressed commitment to a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable” resolution of the boundary question and welcomed recent progress achieved by their Special Representatives.
Modi and Xi further highlighted the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties through direct flights, visa facilitation, and the resumption of pilgrimages such as the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
The Indian Prime Minister also extended an invitation to Xi Jinping to attend the BRICS Summit India will host in 2026. Xi welcomed the invitation and assured China’s support for India’s presidency.
Prime Minister Modi is currently on a two-day official visit to China for the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit, where he will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
