How PM Modi Responded To Trump's Tariff War With Hugs, Handshakes With Xi, Putin

The ongoing summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in China's Tianjin has become a stage for three key Eurasian powers --India, Russia and China -- to showcase their unity and strength, and send a strong message to Donald Trump
PM Modi, Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Display Unity at SCO Summit in Tianjin
New Delhi:
The current Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China's Tianjin has transformed into a platform where three major Eurasian powers—India, Russia and China—are demonstrating their solidarity and influence, conveying a powerful message to the Donald Trump administration in the United States.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping shared warm greetings with smiles and embraces, their intentions were unmistakable.
Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit. pic.twitter.com/K1eKVoHCvv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025Always a delight to meet President Putin! pic.twitter.com/XtDSyWEmtw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025The visual diplomacy is particularly meaningful against the backdrop of strained relations between New Delhi and Washington DC following the Trump administration's implementation of tariffs against India for purchasing Russian oil.
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin were observed walking hand in hand, signaling that American pressure would not force India to abandon its longstanding relationship with Moscow. When the two leaders approached Chinese President Xi, the three were seen engaged in jovial conversation. While the subject of their animated discussion remains unknown, their comfortable body language sends a message that will leave the US speculating.
Another significant moment was captured on camera: as Prime Minister Modi and President Putin walked to their positions for a group photograph, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could be seen standing alone in the background.
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the SCO summit.
This meeting follows the Prime Minister's talks with Chinese President Xi the previous day, where they committed to working toward a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable" resolution to their border disputes. India and China also pledged to enhance trade and investment relations to stabilize global commerce.
Prime Minister Modi stated that New Delhi is dedicated to strengthening its relationship with China based on "mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity." He emphasized, "Our cooperation is linked to the interests of 2.8 billion people of our two countries. This will also pave the way for the welfare of all humanity."
Terrorism was among the topics discussed—a noteworthy inclusion given China's status as Pakistan's steadfast ally, while India has consistently highlighted Islamabad's support for terrorist activities.
India and China are seeking to revitalize their relationship after years of tension. This reset coincides with Trump's tariff conflicts. During their meeting yesterday, Xi indirectly referenced the turbulence caused by US policies, describing global situations as "fluid and chaotic" and suggesting that India and China, as prominent members of the Global South, should enhance cooperation on major international and regional issues.
Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to President Xi for the BRICS summit that India will host next year. President Xi expressed gratitude for the invitation and offered China's support for India's BRICS Presidency.