In a display of unity against the United States and its Western allies, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet for the second time since May at the annual session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Kazakhstan. The SCO, founded in part to counter Western domination, brings together leaders from member nations to discuss regional issues and enhance cooperation.

Joining Xi and Putin at the SCO conference will be Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as leaders from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Iran's acting President Mohammad Mokhbar. The conference will also see the attendance of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is becoming the 10th member nation, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who shares partner status with the group.

Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the SCO conference, instead sending his foreign minister. This decision comes amid India's attempt to strike a balance between its ties with Russia and maintaining alliances with the West. Modi's recent attendance at the G-7 summit, despite India not being a member, has fueled speculation about the country's geopolitical stance.

The two-day SCO meeting holds significance as it coincides with the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C. President Erdogan is the only leader set to attend both top-level sessions, possibly using the opportunity to engage with President Putin in further discussions. Erdogan, who has at times caused hurdles for the NATO alliance, has played a role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine, amid the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, President Putin aims to use the SCO summit as an opportunity to demonstrate that Russia is not isolated from the international community, despite facing Western sanctions and global criticism over the war in Ukraine. The presence of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres adds to the significance of the conference, as he continues to engage with major world players on various global issues.

Additionally, nations like Kazakhstan see the SCO conference as an opportunity to strengthen economic and political ties with their neighboring states. As leaders engage in discussions, the summit serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, which could have far-reaching implications for the geopolitics of the region.

This year's SCO meeting comes at a crucial time, highlighting the continued alliance between China and Russia and their efforts to counter Western influence. As the world watches these developments unfold, the outcomes of the conference may shape the balance of power in the international arena.