Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday shared images of his informal interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Always a delight to meet President Putin!” The two leaders were seen in an informal interaction along with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Modi and Putin also shared a warm hug that was captured in a viral photo.
Always a delight to meet President Putin! pic.twitter.com/XtDSyWEmtw
The development comes as India is facing 50% tariffs from the United States, half of which came into effect last week as a penalty for purchasing Russian oil. US President Donald Trump has been saying that India's purchase is helping Russia fund the ongoing war in Ukraine.
After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful. pic.twitter.com/oYZVGDLxtc
Additionally, PM Modi's visit to China after seven years comes at a key moment. He attended the SCO Summit reception in Tianjin on Sunday, signalling renewed warmth between India and China amid tariff tensions with the US.
“Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit,” PM Modi said in a separate X post.
Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit. pic.twitter.com/K1eKVoHCvv
In a key image, PM Modi was seen walking ahead with Putin and Jinping behind him. Netizens labelled the image as “powerful optics” to reflect Russia-China's support for India amid the US tensions.
Powerful Optics. pic.twitter.com/rMDVvBmEK6
Following their meeting, Modi was warmly welcomed by Jinping and both leaders have pledged to improve ties and boost trade.
在天津上海合作组织峰会期间，我与习近平主席举行了富有成果的会晤。我们回顾了自上次喀山会晤以来印中关系的积极发展势头。我们一致认为保持边境地区的和平与安宁十分重要，并重申了在相互尊重、互利共赢和相互体谅的基础上加强合作的承诺。 pic.twitter.com/ughJElPTMW
At the reception, the Chinese President remarked that the SCO holds "greater" responsibility for regional peace, stability and development.
In a candid video, Modi, Putin and Jinping were also seen sharing a light moment.
#SCOSummit2025 isn't all serious—#Modi, #Putin, and #XiJinping share a laugh that says more than speeches.
Stay tuned to NDTV Profit for latest updates on Modi's China visit. pic.twitter.com/xYpm4sSTlFBesides PM Modi and Putin, leaders from other Asian nations, the Middle East and Pakistan attend the two-day summit.
Earlier, PM Modi also held a productive talk with Kyrgyz President Japarov, reaffirming the strong partnership between the two nations.
PM Modi also met with leaders of Uzbekistan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Myanmar, among other countries.
Very good interaction with Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Nikol Pashinyan. India and Armenia share warm and growing ties, rooted in friendship and mutual cooperation.@NikolPashinyan pic.twitter.com/fiK1q3kLOe
There was no report of PM Modi's interaction with Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif amid diplomatic fallout between the two nations over the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack.
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