Could the Meeting between PM Modi, Putin, and Xi Signal a New Era of Unity?

Tianjin, Sep 2 (NationPress) The much-anticipated meeting among Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China exhibited a remarkable display of unity, as highlighted in a report released on Tuesday.

This gathering between Modi, Putin, and Xi at the SCO summit showcased an exceptional level of camaraderie, with handshakes, hugs, and moments where Modi actively brought the other two leaders together, capturing the attention of attendees.

According to a report by ‘One World Outlook’, the recent trilateral meeting of Putin, Xi, and Modi signifies more than mere diplomatic gestures or photographic opportunities; it marks a pivotal moment that sharply contrasts with the United States’ two-and-a-half-decade effort to strengthen ties with India.

As US policy enters a phase of unpredictability and economic tensions, the visible warmth and symbolism shared among the leaders of Russia, China, and India highlight the potential risks of strategic complacency in Washington and underscore the historical importance of viewing India as a steadfast partner rather than a bargaining chip.

The report noted that Modi’s visit to China was his first in seven years—a time marked by enduring Sino-Indian tensions, including the Ladakh border dispute and mutual restrictions on investment and technology sharing. The strong rapport among the leaders sent a clear signal that, in an era characterized by US protectionism and punitive tariffs targeting India, the Eurasian powers are poised to establish their own rules and alliances.

Contrary to some Western narratives, the report asserts that India’s engagement in the summit does not signify a shift towards the East or an alignment with the agendas of Russia or China.

India remains committed to asserting its strategic autonomy, which was evident in its bold statements on terrorism at the summit, subtly rebuking Pakistan in the latter’s presence.

As India gains global support for its position on Kashmir and other matters, its long-standing non-alignment policy continues to be driven by self-interest and aims to maximize leverage in the evolving global landscape.

The report further elaborated that recent years have seen significant agreements in cybersecurity, advanced communications (COMCASA), and export controls, along with new collaborations in semiconductor supply chains and clean energy. India's demographic, economic, and technological potential is unmistakable: with a population expected to surpass China’s, a youthful workforce, and aspirations to become the world’s next manufacturing hub, India stands as one of the few nations capable of anchoring a democratic order in the Indo-Pacific.

To regard India as a secondary power—or worse, to penalize it for navigating a more competitive US-China rivalry—would be a significant strategic error.