Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his high-profile visit to Tianjin, China, where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and held crucial side meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The summit, attended by key Eurasian leaders, aimed to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and global geopolitical shifts.
While images of PM Modi warmly engaging with President Putin and Xi circulated widely across international media, the United States issued a significant diplomatic signal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the India-US partnership ‘a defining relationship of the 21st century’, underscoring its importance across innovation, defence, and economic growth.
“The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights — a defining relationship of the 21st century. This month, we’re spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward,” said Rubio in a post shared by the US Embassy in New Delhi.
The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights — a defining relationship of the 21st century. This month, we’re spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and… pic.twitter.com/tjd1tgxNXi
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 1, 2025
Analysts highlighted the strategic timing of this message, released just as visuals from PM Modi’s meetings in Tianjin dominated global headlines.
Strategic Balancing Act
PM Modi’s meeting with President Putin came at a critical juncture.
While the United States has recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exports, citing ‘unfair trade practices’ and India’s continued import of Russian oil, many global observers argue that India has played a stabilising role in global energy markets.
By maintaining steady imports of Russian crude, India has helped cushion global oil supply chains and control inflation — not just domestically, but globally.
Experts believe New Delhi’s pragmatic energy policy has extended a ‘financial lifeline’ to nations worldwide by keeping energy prices relatively stable amid geopolitical turmoil.
As PM Modi returns to New Delhi, attention now shifts to upcoming high-level visits.
While US President Donald Trump is yet to confirm his attendance at the forthcoming Quad Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December for the annual bilateral summit — a longstanding tradition between the two nations.
PM Modi’s balancing act between major global powers — engaging with Russia and China while reinforcing strategic ties with the US — signals India’s growing clout on the world stage.
The visit to China, combined with Washington’s reaffirmation of bilateral ties, positions India at the heart of 21st-century global diplomacy.
Also Read: PM Modi Heads Back To New Delhi After Concluding China Visit For SCO Summit
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