Prime Minister Modi’s decision to skip the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) meet in Kazakhstan can be seen as a strategic move reflecting the current state of India-China relations post the 2020 Eastern Ladakh issue.

Firstly, the Eastern Ladakh standoff marked a significant deterioration in bilateral relations between India and China, characterized by border clashes and heightened military tensions. The aftermath saw both countries deploying troops in large numbers along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), leading to casualties and a deepening of mistrust.

Secondly, by skipping the SCO summit, Modi may be signaling India’s stance on maintaining a cautious and assertive posture towards China. This move could be interpreted as a diplomatic signal that bilateral issues, particularly those concerning border security and territorial integrity, remain unresolved and require careful handling.

Thirdly, India’s absence from the SCO summit could indicate a shift towards strengthening alliances and partnerships outside the SCO framework, possibly with countries sharing similar concerns regarding China’s assertiveness in the region.

Overall, Modi’s decision reflects India’s evolving foreign policy strategy post the Eastern Ladakh conflict, emphasizing the importance of addressing bilateral issues firmly while recalibrating its regional and global engagements.