Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled together in the same car to the venue of their bilateral meeting after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.
The symbolic show of camaraderie underscored the close personal bond between the two leaders, coming at a time when New Delhi faces rising trade tensions with Washington following steep tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump over India’s purchase of Russian crude.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, “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.”
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
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Putin were seen exchanging a warm handshake and a hug ahead of the plenary session of the SCO Summit.
This marked their first in-person interaction since Washington imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude.
Sharing pictures with the Russian leader on X, PM Modi wrote it is “always a delight to meet him.”
Visuals from the summit also captured Modi, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping greeting one another with smiles and handshakes.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other Heads of States/Heads of Governments pose for a group photograph at the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/UftzXy6g3K
— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025
Posting images of the interaction, the Prime Minister said: “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”
PM Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, lasting over 50 minutes.
The two leaders discussed ways to ease border tensions and strengthen cooperation between the Asian neighbours.
In his opening remarks, PM Modi said he is “committed” to advancing India-China ties “based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.”
This was PM Modi’s first visit to China in seven years and his first direct engagement with Xi since relations between the two countries sharply deteriorated following the deadly Galwan clashes in 2020.
