According to Deutsche Welle, the SCO comprises China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, with 16 more countries affiliated as observers or "dialogue partners." This marks Modi's first visit to China since 2018, with discussions anticipated to address the tentative signs of improving relations between the neighbors following a border clash in 2020. Recent tariff disputes with the United States have seemingly brought China and India closer together.

Meanwhile, Modi engaged in a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, focusing on efforts to restore peace and stability in the region ahead of his significant meeting with Putin. Several bilateral meetings are anticipated on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

Putin is set to discuss the Ukraine conflict with Erdogan and address Iran's nuclear program with Pezeshkian. Last week, Britain, France, and Germany moved to reimpose UN sanctions on Tehran. Russia's Foreign Ministry has cautioned that such actions might lead to "irreparable consequences."

The summit will be followed by a military parade in Beijing, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II, with around 26 world leaders, including North Korea's Kim Jong Un, expected to attend.