SCO Summit: Modi-Putin-Xi meeting reinforces Russia-India-China strategic ties, grabs eyeballs

The Modi-Putin meeting and a significant trilateral interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping, spotlighting the poweful, albeit symbolic, RIC (Russia-India-China) format, underlined the power of masterful and strategic diplomacy with equally powerful optics. “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit,” says PM Modi.

Photo: courtesy PM social media

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin—a significant move that reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between India and Russia.

Coming at a time when geopolitical alignments are shifting, both leaders underscored the importance of close cooperation in a multipolar world.

The interaction, described as warm and forward-looking by officials, is their first in-person meeting this year, following a series of phone conversations earlier.

PM Modi and Putin reviewed key areas of bilateral cooperation including energy, defence, trade, and regional security. Those in know of developments called the conversation “constructive” and “in tune with the long-standing nature of India-Russia relations.”

Putin in Tianjin

The presence of the Russian President in Tianjin has drawn international attention, underlining his continued engagement with Asian powers amid ongoing global realignments. The Modi-Putin meeting and a significant trilateral interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping, spotlighting the poweful, albeit symbolic, RIC (Russia-India-China) format,underlined the power of masterful strategic diplomacy with equally powerful optics. “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit,” said PM Modi on X.

One of the major takeaways from the meeting was the confirmation that President Putin will travel to India in December 2025 for the annual India-Russia summit. This visit is expected to further deepen bilateral ties and could see the signing of new agreements in areas ranging from energy cooperation to space technology.

PM Modi emphasised India’s commitment to a balanced, independent foreign policy and expressed appreciation for Russia’s consistent support on key strategic issues. Both leaders also discussed regional challenges, including the evolving situation in Central Asia and Afghanistan, and reaffirmed their shared goal of a stable, secure and inclusive regional order.

SCO meetings

The SCO Summit itself provided a timely platform for India to engage with regional partners and project its strategic autonomy. Together, these engagements reflect India’s growing diplomatic influence in the region and its firm commitment to peace, development, and multilateral cooperation.

On Sunday PM Modi engaged in crucial bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and promoting strategic partnerships.

His meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China was their first interaction since the Kazan meeting in October 2024

Both leaders welcomed the positive trajectory in India-China relations. Emphasizing that India and China are partners in development—not rivals—they reaffirmed the importance of peace, mutual respect, and sensitivity in shaping a multipolar Asia.

Highlighting the importance of border stability, PM Modi underscored that peace along the Line of Actual Control remains a prerequisite for the furtherance of bilateral ties.

He also held a “productive meeting” with Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Reaffirming India’s commitment under the Neighborhood First and Act East policies, the two leaders discussed connectivity projects, security cooperation, and border trade. PM Modi emphasised support for a Myanmar-led peace process and expressed hope for inclusive elections in the near future.

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