Much like BRICS, the China-dominated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation offers few benefits to New Delhi.

Sources and experts caution against overplaying expectations, saying offers on the table fall well short of a breakthrough or grand bargain.

This article is authored by Rajiv Bhatia, Distinguished Fellow, Gateway House and former ambassador.

India and China engage in renewed diplomacy, with Modi and Xi meeting at the SCO summit before the BRICS gathering.