Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged a friendly embrace at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, signaling mutual trust and setting a positive atmosphere ahead of their scheduled bilateral discussions. talks on energy, defence, and global issues.

Photos and videos of Modi with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping—sharing smiles, handshakes, and hugs—went viral, with Modi posting, “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”

The trip unfolds at a time when friction with Washington is steadily intensifying. over tariffs and the Ukraine conflict.

Modi also met Xi, urging India-China cooperation against terrorism while acknowledging strained ties since the 2020 Galwan clashes.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a candid interaction as the world leaders arrived at the venue of the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. pic.twitter.com/d3wzxh833d

— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025