Russia hails Modi, Putin and Xi’s informal exchange at SCO Summit

Tianjin: A brief yet candid interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit has gone viral, with Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharing the clip as its “Video of the Day”.

The video, posted on social media platform X, showed the three leaders walking together, smiling and chatting informally moments before the traditional family photograph at the summit. Russia’s Foreign Ministry captioned the clip: #VideoOfTheDay – President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, and President of China Xi Jinping just before the start of the #SCO Summit.”

The footage, widely circulated online, highlighted a rare moment of ease between the leaders, who were seen engaging in a warm exchange despite the broader complexities in their nations’ relationships.

Sharing the clip, Prime Minister Modi wrote on X: “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.” He also posted a separate image capturing a handshake and embrace with President Putin.

Hosted by China this year, the SCO Summit formally commenced on Sunday. Established in 2001, the grouping brings together India, China, Russia and five other member states to focus on political, economic and security cooperation.

Modi’s visit marks his first trip to China in seven years, carrying particular diplomatic significance given strained ties following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. On Sunday, he also met Xi Jinping for the first time in ten months.

During their talks, Modi said ties had moved in a “meaningful direction” and noted the presence of a “peaceful environment at the borders after disengagement”. Xi, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, expressed hope the Tianjin meeting would “further elevate” bilateral ties and foster their stable and healthy development.