A striking image emerged during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, highlighting a noticeable dynamic between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders. The photograph showcased a strong rapport between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared to be observing from the sidelines. During a moment when PM Modi and Putin were engaged in conversation, they did not acknowledge Sharif. This scene underscored a perceived distancing of Modi from Sharif at the SCO meeting. The summit marked the first encounter between PM Modi and Shehbaz Sharif since Operation Sindoor, and Modi seemingly chose to ignore the Pakistani leader. In contrast, Putin, Modi, and Xi Jinping were seen interacting cordially.
Prior to a bilateral meeting between Putin and Modi, the two leaders greeted each other warmly with an embrace before proceeding towards the stage for a family photo with SCO members. Modi, Putin, and Jinping were also seen in a brief conversation lasting approximately two minutes, during which they appeared to be smiling. This interaction preceded the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, which was scheduled after the plenary session.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra had stated that the Prime Minister would address the plenary session, where he would outline India’s vision for fostering regional cooperation under the SCO. Following this meeting, a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin was planned before his departure for India.
During the SCO summit, PM Modi held a bilateral discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders welcomed the positive momentum and consistent progress in bilateral relations since their previous meeting at the BRICS summit in Kazan in October 2024. They affirmed that the two countries are development partners, not rivals, and that their differences should not escalate into disputes. Modi and Jinping called for stable relations and cooperation between India and China, based on mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity. This is essential for the development and progress of both countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multipolar Asia in line with the trends of the 21st century.
