PM Modi, Putin meet after SCO summit talks
PM Modi in China for SCO Summit LIVE Updates: India Stresses Unity Against Terrorism, Modi-Putin Meeting Highlights Geopolitical Shifts
He expressed gratitude to SCO member countries for their solidarity in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives. With a somber tone, Modi reminded the gathering that terrorism spares no nation and no community, and only a collective response can prevent future tragedies.
“India thanks the member states for their strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. There can be no double standards. Those who perpetrate, organize, or sponsor such acts must be held accountable,” Modi said.
His words resonated in the hall, as the SCO members stood united in condemning the attack and offering their condolences to the families of the victims. This common ground, however, also highlighted the deeper fractures in the group, particularly when it comes to countries that have been accused of harboring or supporting terror networks.
Modi-Putin Meeting: A Strategic Dialogue Amid PressuresThe two leaders have often described their relationship as a “special and privileged strategic partnership,” and this meeting was yet another reflection of the depth of their engagement.
Energy, defense cooperation, and regional security dominated the conversation, but what gave the meeting additional weight was the growing tension between Washington and New Delhi over India’s continued purchase of Russian crude. As the United States, under President Donald Trump, pushes to tighten sanctions on Moscow, India has resisted pressure, citing its energy security needs and long-standing ties with Russia.
For Modi, the discussion with Putin was not just about securing energy supplies or advancing defense deals—it was also a statement that India will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy, balancing relations with major powers in its own national interest. Observers note that this balancing act is not easy, but Modi’s willingness to engage openly with Putin, despite global scrutiny, underscores India’s confidence in charting its own path.
Border Talks with Xi JinpingJust a day earlier, Modi had another high-stakes meeting—this time with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The backdrop was tense, given the lingering border disputes that have cast a shadow over India-China relations in recent years. Yet, both leaders pledged to manage their differences responsibly and work towards enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, cultural exchanges, and infrastructure connectivity.
The optics of Modi and Xi sitting across the table, smiling and shaking hands, were important. They suggested that despite the disagreements, both countries recognize the value of dialogue and the potential benefits of keeping communication channels open. For the SCO, which is increasingly seen as a platform where India and China must coexist, such gestures matter.
A Summit Shaped by Shifting GeopoliticsThe Tianjin summit itself reflected the changing dynamics of global politics. The SCO, once viewed primarily as a security bloc led by China and Russia, now finds itself at the intersection of global economic realignments and new security challenges. With India’s active participation, the grouping also embodies the aspirations of a rising power determined to be heard on issues that affect not just South Asia but the wider world.
serve its long-term interests. His speeches carried a tone of moral clarity but were also layered with diplomatic nuance.
As the SCO continues to evolve, India’s role within it will likely grow more prominent.
For the families who lost loved ones in Pahalgam, Modi’s words may have offered some comfort that their grief has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. For the international community, his participation in Tianjin was a reminder that India is no longer content to be a passive player—it seeks to shape outcomes, not just respond to them.