SCO Summit 2025: Humanoid AI Robot, Modi-Xi Talks in China
The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held in Tianjin, China from 31 August to 1 September 2025, marked a historic moment in many ways. The summit not only strengthened diplomatic relations among regional nations but also showcased China’s impressive technological advancements. The biggest attraction of the event was a humanoid AI robot named ‘Xiao He’. This robot assisted media personnel and international delegates in multiple languages, offering a glimpse into a new era of human-technology interaction.
Xiao He: The Smart AI Robot of SCO
‘Xiao He’ is a state-of-the-art humanoid AI robot designed specifically for the SCO Summit 2025. It can converse in three languages—Chinese, English, and Russian—and process information swiftly to provide accurate responses. Equipped with advanced emotional recognition and adaptive learning systems, Xiao He ensures culturally sensitive and neutral communication on the international stage.
Introducing itself, Xiao He said, “I am Xiao He, an advanced AI assistant, offering multi-language support, real-time information processing, and protocol-compliant communication.” During interactions with the media, it clarified that offering personal opinions, especially on political or national matters, was not part of its system. Its responses were limited to factual and summit-related information.
Adding to the uniqueness of the event, another robot was seen serving ice cream to volunteers in the media centre. This reflected how China combined technology and human resources to set new standards of event management.
PM Modi’s Visit to China After 7 Years and Active Participation in SCO
India’s presence at the annual summit was highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance, marking his first visit to China in seven years. Modi was warmly welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the First Lady.
The Indian Prime Minister joined other SCO leaders for a group photograph, symbolising cooperation and unity. Modi and Xi Jinping also held several bilateral meetings focused on stabilising global trade and strengthening regional cooperation.
During discussions, Modi emphasised the need to revive people-to-people ties between India and China. This included restarting direct flights, easing visa processes, and resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Both leaders also discussed enhancing border management agreements and intensifying joint action against terrorism. The meeting was seen as a positive new beginning in India-China relations.
Balanced Diplomacy in India-China Relations
On the SCO platform, Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of terrorism with particular emphasis. He underlined that both India and China have been victims of cross-border terrorism and should work together to combat this challenge. Modi appreciated China’s cooperation and maturity within the SCO framework, calling it crucial for regional peace.
However, India also made it clear that its relations with China rest firmly on three pillars: mutual respect, mutual interests, and mutual sensitivities. India stressed that the boundary dispute, especially in Eastern Ladakh, remains unresolved and continues to pose challenges.
While trade imbalances, lack of military trust, and certain geopolitical differences persist, the summit sent a strong message of rebuilding trust and encouraging cooperation between the two nations.
SCO Summit: A Platform from Technology to Diplomacy
Established in 2001 by China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations, the SCO has expanded beyond security and counter-terrorism strategies to include economic cooperation and technological innovation.
This year’s SCO Summit was the largest in its history, attended by leaders and representatives from over 20 countries. President Xi Jinping stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in AI and technological fields, calling it a new era of harmony and development, while urging member states to abandon “Cold War mentality.”
China had recently hosted the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games, which saw participation from 16 countries, including robotic athletes from Russia, Japan, and the United States. This initiative underlined China’s ambition to strengthen its global position in AI and robotics—an influence that was clearly visible at the SCO Summit.
Conclusion
The SCO Summit 2025 not only gave new direction to diplomatic ties among regional countries but also highlighted technological progress on a global stage. The use of AI robots like Xiao He demonstrated how the fusion of technology and diplomacy could prove highly effective in the future.
Prime Minister Modi’s return to China after seven years and his meeting with Xi Jinping opened fresh opportunities for balance in bilateral relations. Discussions on sensitive issues such as terrorism, border management, and economic cooperation offered hope that India-China ties could evolve into a stable and collaborative partnership in the coming years.
This summit elevated SCO from being merely a security alliance to a strong platform for economic, technological, and cultural collaboration, where member nations are working towards shared interests and global stability. SCO 2025 proved that the convergence of technology and diplomacy can pave the way for solutions to regional and global challenges.
The summit marked the beginning of a new era, where China’s technological strength and India’s diplomatic vision signalled a redefined world order focused on stability, development, and cooperation.
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