Minutes Before PM-Putin Meet, US' "Defining Relationship" Signal To Delhi
A key member of US President Donald Trump's team has termed New Delhi-Washington DC ties a "defining relationship of the 21st century".
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PM Modi and President Putin embraced warmly during today's SCO summit
New Delhi:
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared warm embraces and handshakes with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, a senior official from US President Donald Trump's administration described India-US relations as a "defining relationship of the 21st century".
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the relationship between the United States and India continues to achieve new milestones. "This month, we're highlighting the people, progress, and possibilities propelling us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and bilateral ties, it's the enduring friendship between our two peoples that powers this journey," according to a statement from Rubio shared by the US Embassy. The message was posted on X shortly before Prime Minister Modi's scheduled meeting with President Putin on the SCO summit's sidelines.
The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights — a defining relationship of the 21st century. This month, we're spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and… pic.twitter.com/tjd1tgxNXi
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 1, 2025These comments come at a critical moment when major Eurasian powers India, China and Russia are gathering at the SCO summit amid Trump's ongoing tariff dispute with India. The US President has imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports due to India's continued purchase of Russian oil. India has consistently maintained that its decision to buy oil from Russia, which faces severe Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, is essential for ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens. India has characterized the US tariffs as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and indicated it will "take all actions necessary to protect its national interests".
The Tianjin SCO summit featured Prime Minister Modi, President Putin and Chinese leader Xi exchanging smiles, embraces and handshakes.
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin were observed walking hand-in-hand, signaling that US pressure won't cause India to abandon its longstanding relationship with Moscow. When the two leaders approached Chinese President Xi, the three were seen laughing together. This animated interaction sparked speculation about their conversation topics, but their comfortable body language sent a message that will keep Washington guessing.
In a diplomatic achievement for India, SCO member states condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and supported Prime Minister Modi's assertion that "double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable". Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was present at the summit, and the declaration echoing Prime Minister Modi's statement is viewed as a significant diplomatic victory.
Notably, the declaration also condemned the military strikes conducted by Israel and the US against Iran in June. "Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including nuclear energy infrastructure, which resulted in the death of civilians, are a gross violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter, and an infringement on the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran. They undermine regional and international security and have serious implications for global peace and stability," it stated.