Russia Shares Viral ‘Video of the Day’ Featuring Modi, Putin, and Xi at SCO Summit

Tianjin, Sep 1:
A candid interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit has gone viral online.

Just before the official group photograph, the three leaders were seen walking together, smiling, and engaging in a relaxed conversation. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which shared the clip on social media platform X, hailed it as the “Video of the Day.”

“#VideoOfTheDay – President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, and President of China Xi Jinping just before the start of the #SCO Summit,” the ministry captioned the post.

The short video quickly spread across platforms, with many noting the rare warmth and informality among the three leaders, despite complex geopolitical ties.

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the moment on X, writing:
“Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”
He later shared another picture with President Putin, capturing a friendly handshake and embrace.

The SCO Summit, hosted by China this year, officially began on Sunday. Founded in 2001, the organisation brings together India, China, Russia, and five other member states to strengthen regional political, economic, and security cooperation.

This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to China in seven years, carrying added diplomatic weight given the cooling of India-China relations after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.

Earlier on Sunday, he met President Xi for the first time in ten months. Both leaders underscored their commitment to stabilising ties and resolving pending issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

PM Modi noted that relations had moved in a “meaningful direction,” pointing out the “peaceful environment at the borders after disengagement.” President Xi, as reported by Chinese broadcaster CCTV, said he hoped the Tianjin meeting would “further elevate” and “promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.”