Modi, Putin and Xi Showcase Camaraderie at SCO Summit in Tianjin
As over 20 foreign leaders gathered in the Tianjin region of, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen sharing warm handshakes, hugs, and laughter — a display of camaraderie that stood out amid strained ties with the United States. This is new ‘trio’ has set the international media ablaze, and created a stir with an apparent new friendship.
The SCO Summit, held in northern China, brought together heads of state and leaders from across Eurasia to discuss regional cooperation, security, and trade. For Prime Minister Modi, this marked his first visit to China in seven years, making the meeting particularly significant in the context of India-China ties that soured after the 2020 Galwan clashes.
Modi-Putin Meeting: Renewed Warmth Amid US Tariffs
PM Modi and President Putin greeted each other with a handshake and a hug, their first meeting since Washington imposed 50% tariffs on India over its continued imports of Russian oil. Sharing pictures on social media platform X, PM Modi described meeting the Russian leader as “always a delight.” The two leaders are expected to hold a formal bilateral meeting later on the sidelines of the summit to discuss trade, defence, and energy cooperation.
Their interaction reflects New Delhi’s intent to strengthen ties with Moscow, despite mounting Western pressure. With the US ramping up economic measures, India is seen recalibrating its partnerships, particularly with Russia and China, within the SCO framework.
Modi and Xi: Pledging to Reset Relations
On Sunday, Prime Minister Modi also held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In his remarks, he stressed India’s commitment to moving relations “forward based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.” Both leaders acknowledged the progress made after the disengagement along the disputed border, noting that peace and stability now provide room for dialogue and cooperation.
PM Modi also recalled their previous meeting in Kazan, calling it “fruitful” and highlighting the need to build on that momentum. The meeting is being seen as a step toward easing long-standing tensions and exploring opportunities for collaboration on trade, infrastructure, and regional security.
SCO Meet: Push for a New Global Order
During the plenary session, President Xi delivered the opening address, sharply criticizing what he called “bullying behaviour” in global politics. He urged SCO members — including India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus — to reject Cold War mentality and external interference. Xi also outlined his vision for a new global security order, with the SCO serving as a counterbalance to Western-led frameworks.
The summit, which also saw participation from 10 international organisations and 16 observer nations, underscored the grouping’s growing relevance in shaping Eurasian geopolitics. As Modi, Putin, and Xi shared a rare moment of warmth in Tianjin, the SCO Summit reinforced the message that Asia’s rising powers are seeking stronger collaboration to redefine the global order.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
