In Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged friendly gestures and engaged in discussions before the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. The leaders were seen in a pull-aside conversation, with Putin and Modi sharing a warm hug before proceeding to a group photo with other SCO members.

This interaction preceded a scheduled bilateral meeting between Modi and Putin following the plenary session. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Modi would outline India’s vision for regional cooperation during his address and later hold talks with the Russian leader before departing for India.

Modi also held bilateral discussions with Xi Jinping on the sidelines, where both leaders acknowledged the positive momentum in India-China relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024. They emphasized their roles as development partners rather than rivals, stressing the need for stable cooperation based on mutual respect, sensitivity, and shared interests. Modi highlighted the importance of peace in border areas for the continued growth of bilateral ties and a multipolar world.

The SCO, which India joined as a full member in 2017 after being an observer since 2005, includes 10 member states: Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with dialogue partners and observers. India has previously chaired the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and the Council of Heads of State from 2022 to 2023.