What Light Moment Did PM Modi, Xi Jinping, and Putin Share at the SCO Summit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi's first visit to China since 2020.
- Intent to address lingering border disputes.
- Focus on enhancing India-China cooperation.
- Geopolitical implications of the leaders' meeting.
- Significance of the SCO platform in global diplomacy.
Tianjin, Sep 1 (NationPress) Striking images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's casual interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have emerged, showcasing a cheerful moment among the three leaders during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
The photographs depict all three leaders sharing smiles and engaging in conversation, reminiscent of a similar snapshot from the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.
In the recent image, Putin is situated on the left, Prime Minister Modi is at the center, and Xi Jinping is on the right, strolling together casually as they prepare for a SCO family photo.
PM Modi posted the picture on X, stating, "Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit."
The Prime Minister also shared another photo featuring himself and President Putin, where they were seen shaking hands and sharing a hug.
Modi captioned the social media post, "Always a delight to meet President Putin!"
Earlier that Sunday, PM Modi engaged in discussions with Xi Jinping, during which both leaders committed to resolving ongoing border disputes and fostering cooperation between India and China.
This marks Modi's first visit to China since the relationship between the two neighboring countries soured following the deadly border skirmishes in 2020.
The meeting occurs amidst a gradual improvement in India-China relations after both leaders reached a mutual understanding during their time in Russia in 2024.
This breakthrough was facilitated by an agreement on new patrolling protocols along the 3,500-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC), which played a significant role in easing a tense standoff that lasted almost four years.
These recent interactions also unfold against the backdrop of Western efforts to diplomatically isolate Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine and renewed tariff threats from the United States, adding further geopolitical significance to the tri-lateral engagement at the SCO platform.
Analysts suggest that the convergence of PM Modi, Xi Jinping, and President Putin could be "symbolic" in reshaping the global order in response to Washington's tariff threats.