NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday shared warm moments with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping as they met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin. The three leaders exchanged handshakes, hugs and smiles in a rare display of camaraderie. Sharing pictures on X, PM Modi wrote: “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”‘

In another post, PM Modi shared photos of his warm interaction with Putin and said, “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”. In one widely circulated video, PM Modi is seen pulling Putin and Xi together in a symbolic gesture of unity.

SCO Summit in Tianjin

The 25th meeting of the Heads of State Council of the 10-member SCO saw leaders charting the bloc’s future roadmap. Jinping welcomed the participants as discussions got under way.The summit was formally inaugurated on Sunday evening with a grand banquet hosted by Xi, attended by PM Modi, Putin, and other leaders. This year’s gathering is the largest in SCO’s history, with over 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations — including UN Secretary-General António Guterres — invited to the “SCO Plus” format under China’s presidency.

Xi’s call for unity

In his banquet address, Xi said the SCO shoulders greater responsibility in safeguarding regional peace and stability amid global uncertainties. He expressed confidence that the summit would strengthen solidarity among member states, enhance cooperation with the Global South, and advance human civilisation.

About the SCO

Founded in Shanghai in June 2001, the SCO has grown from six founding members to a 26-nation grouping, comprising 10 full members, two observers, and 14 dialogue partners across Asia, Europe, and Africa. With China, Russia, and India among its members, the bloc represents nearly half the world’s population and a quarter of the global economy.