Did PM Modi Capture a Historic Moment with World Leaders at the SCO in China?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi participated in the SCO family photograph with global leaders.
- This visit is significant as it marks his first trip to China in seven years.
- The SCO aims to promote political, economic, and security cooperation.
- Both India and China are working towards stabilizing their bilateral relations.
- Warm interactions between leaders signal a return to active diplomacy.
Tianjin, Sep 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the official family photograph of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) alongside global leaders in Tianjin, China, representing a significant diplomatic moment on the sidelines of this important regional summit.
This photograph, epitomizing unity and collaboration among member nations, featured distinguished figures such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other leaders from member states.
China is hosting the SCO Summit this year, which is formally set to commence on Sunday.
The SCO, consisting of eight member nations, is dedicated to enhancing political, economic, and security collaboration in the Eurasian region. This visit marks Prime Minister Modi's first trip to China in seven years, making the occasion especially meaningful as India and China cautiously navigate their complex bilateral relationship following the border clashes of 2020.
In the lead-up to the summit, Prime Minister Modi was observed engaging in discussions with both President Xi and President Putin, signaling a return to proactive diplomacy. A particularly warm moment was noted between PM Modi and Putin, where they embraced and held hands, breaking the otherwise formal ambiance.
PM Modi shared on social media: "Always a delight to meet President Putin!"
President Xi Jinping and his spouse, Peng Liyuan, hosted a banquet in the port city on Sunday to welcome international dignitaries prior to the 25th annual summit.
In the family photo, PM Modi stood in the front row, with President Putin beside President Xi Jinping, the host, as world leaders captured the traditional family photo at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China.
Earlier that day, PM Modi also met with President Xi Jinping for the first time in ten months, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to stabilizing relations and addressing ongoing issues, particularly concerning the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
PM Modi remarked that the relationship had progressed in a "meaningful direction" and acknowledged a peaceful atmosphere at the borders post-disengagement.
According to CCTV, President Xi expressed optimism that the Tianjin meeting would "further elevate" and "promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of bilateral relations."