Putin, Modi and Jinping holding hands

Putin, Modi, and Xi Jinping Share Warm Moments at SCO Summit in Tianjin

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held on August 31 and September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen sharing warm interactions on the sidelines of the event. The trio exchanged handshakes, hugs, and smiles, underlining a rare moment of camaraderie among the Russia-India-China (RIC) trio. These gestures marked an encouraging sign of mutual goodwill amid complex international dynamics.

The three leaders were seen holding hands during a photo session before the summit, with Modi hugging Putin.

Prime Minister Modi shared glimpses of his engagements on social media, posting photographs with Presidents Putin and Xi, writing: “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.” In another post, highlighting his bond with the Russian leader, Modi wrote: “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”, accompanied by pictures showing the two leaders hugging and sharing a warm conversation.

Addressing the meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, ‘This organization is against terrorism, separatism and extremism.’

In the context of US President Donald Trump imposing high tariffs on SCO countries, these countries are looking for a common platform to oppose US pressure. Jinping wants the conference to be a platform to present an alternative to the US-led global order. China can become an alternative power together with countries like Russia, India, and Iran.

This time, the leaders of more than 20 countries, including observer and partner countries other than SCO members, are participating in the conference.

Modi shared pictures of the meeting on Twitter, writing, “Meetings continue in Tianjin, exchanging views with President Putin and President Xi on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.”

Prime Minister Modi had also met with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Oli, Maldives President Mohamed Morsi, Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Kazakh President Tokayev, and Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

They have shared pictures of the meetings and their experiences through ex-post. Prime Minister Modi said that many important issues such as trade, energy, security and mutual cooperation have been discussed in these meetings.