At the SCO Summit in Tianjin, one moment stood out, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping sharing handshakes, hugs, and smiles.
The three leaders, who command immense global influence, were seen engaging in a rare display of warmth despite their own complicated equations with the United States.
Modi and Putin exchanged a hug before their scheduled bilateral meeting, while Xi joined in with a cheerful handshake, completing the powerful trio frame that quickly drew attention.
The images instantly reminded many of the 2018 BRICS Summit, where a similar picture of the three leaders together became iconic. This time, however, the backdrop is different: strained US ties, shifting global alliances, and ongoing regional challenges.
#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
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