PM Modi, President Putin And President Xi’s Informal Chat At SCO Summit Becomes Viral Highlight

A light-hearted exchange between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping just before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin has drawn wide attention online, with Russia’s Foreign Ministry calling it the ‘Video of the Day’.

The clip, posted on a social platform by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, showed the three leaders walking side by side, smiling and speaking casually moments before the official family photo.

Taking to X, the Russian Foreign Ministry posted, “#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, quickly shared across social media, highlighted the three leaders in a relaxed mood, projecting rare warmth at a time when geopolitical complexities dominate their formal interactions.

Prime Minister Modi also shared the moment on X, writing, “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”

In another post, PM Modi uploaded a separate photo with Putin, showing the two greeting each other with a handshake and a hug.

This year’s SCO Summit, hosted by China, officially opened on Sunday.

Established in 2001, the organisation brings together India, China, Russia, and five other member countries for cooperation in political, economic, and security matters.

For PM Modi, the trip marks his first visit to China in seven years, a significant moment as New Delhi and Beijing attempt to reset ties after the deadly border clash in Galwan in 2020.

First PM Modi–President Xi Meeting in 10 Months

On Sunday, PM Modi also met Xi Jinping for the first time in ten months. Both leaders spoke of the need to stabilise relations and address unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

PM Modi observed that ties had moved in a ‘meaningful direction’ and pointed out that ‘a peaceful environment exists at the borders after disengagement’.

According to Chinese broadcaster CCTV, Xi expressed optimism that the Tianjin meeting would ‘further elevate’ relations and promote their ‘sustained, healthy and stable development’.

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