NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday concluded his two-day visit to China where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit and held bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.Against the backdrop of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, the visit sends a stern message to Washington highlighting strong ties with Russia and China.
“Concluding a productive visit to China, where I attended the SCO Summit and interacted with various world leaders. Also emphasised India’s stand on key global issues. Thankful to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and people for the successful organisation of this Summit,” PM Modi wrote on X.China, Russia and India have touted the SCO as an alternative to the NATO military alliance.
Here are the key takeaways from PM Modi’s visit
Bilateral meet with Xi Jinping
On the first day of his visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. During the meet, the Prime Minister said that cooperation between India and China will pave the way for “welfare of the entire humanity.”Meanwhile, Xi offered an olive branch to PM Modi as he said that the Dragon and the Elephant should come together as the world is going towards transformation.In his opening remarks during the delegation-level talks with PM Modi, Xi said, “The world is going towards transformation. China and India are two of the most civilisational countries.”“We are the world’s two most populous countries and part of the Global South… It is vital to be friends, a good neighbour, and the Dragon and the Elephant to come together,” he added.
Russia-India-China troika on display
PM Modi, on the second day of his visit, shared warm moments with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping as they met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin. The three leaders exchanged handshakes, hugs and smiles in a rare display of camaraderie.Sharing pictures on X, PM Modi wrote: “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”In another post, PM Modi shared photos of his warm interaction with Putin and said, “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”In one widely circulated video, PM Modi was seen pulling Putin and Xi together in a symbolic gesture of unity.
PM Modi snubs Pakistan’s
At the SCO Summit, PM Modi and President Putin were seen walking hand in hand, passing by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif.Meanwhile, Sharif stood by and watched as PM Modi and Putin walked by him.
Clear message to ‘those’ countries who support terrorism
While addressing the plenary session at the summit, PM Modi delivered his message on terrorism with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance.Emphasising that terrorism is a universal threat, PM Modi warned against selective approaches. “Security, peace and stability are the basis of development of any country. But terrorism, separatism and extremism are big challenges in this path. Terrorism is not just a challenge to the security of a country but a common challenge for all of humanity.”“We have to say clearly and unanimously that no double standards are acceptable on terrorism,” he added.“This attack was an open challenge to every country and person who believes in humanity. In such a situation, it is natural to raise the question of whether the open support of terrorism by some countries can be acceptable to us. We have to unanimously oppose terrorism in every form and colour. This is our duty towards humanity,” the Prime Minister further said.
Veiled jibe at China
PM Modi also took a veiled jibe at China’s Belt and Road Initiative as he said that connectivity loses its trust and meaning if it bypasses sovereignty.While speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China’s Tianjin, PM Modi pointed to the SCO Charter and said that connectivity should always respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the plenary session at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin and called for a united global fight against terrorism. PM Modi delivered his message on terrorism with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance.“Connectivity should always respect sovereignty and territorial integrity — this is a fundamental principle of the SCO Charter. Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning,” PM Modi said.“India firmly believes that strong connectivity ensures not just trade, but also trust and development. That is why we are working on Chabahar and the International North-South Economic Corridor, which will enhance connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia,” he added.
SCO member states condemn Pahalgam attack in Tianjin declaration
SCO member states “strongly condemned” the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, expressing their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.“The Member States strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded. They further stated that perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice,” the declaration read.The declaration emphasised that the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice.
Carpool with Putin
PM Modi and Putin also travelled in the same car to the destination of their bilateral meeting after the conclusion of the SCO Summit in China’s Tianjin.In a social media post on X, PM Modi shared the image and said, “After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting.”
‘Not for the ears of others’
According to news agency PTI, PM Modi was offered a lift by Putin in his Aurus limousine to reach the venue.“The two leaders continued their one-to-one dialogue on the way to the hotel where they were to be joined by members of their teams. However, on reaching the hotel they did not deboard the Russian president’s limousine and continued their conversation for 50 minutes,” Russian national radio station VestiFM reported.Later, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the two leaders had a tête-à-tête in the car for about an hour.Commentators in Moscow say perhaps this was the most important confidential conversation between Modi and Putin during which they probably discussed issues “not for the ears of others.”
Bilateral talks with Putin
PM Modi and Putin held a bilateral meeting, focusing on bolstering the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, including the latest developments concerning Ukraine.PM Modi welcomed the recent efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and said that the involved parties will have to proceed further “constructively.”“This is the definition of our deep, ‘special and privileged strategic partnership’,” PM Modi said.In a post on X, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said, “India-Russia | Bolstering the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Narendra Modi met President Mr. Vladimir Putin of Russia on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. Both leaders discussed India-Russia bilateral ties, including in the economic, financial and energy sectors.”
Extends invite to visit India
PM Modi also extended an invite to Putin to visit India. The PM said that the 140 crore Indians are “eagerly waiting” for the Russian President’s arrival for the 23rd India-Russia Summit in December.“I always feel that meeting you has been a memorable experience. We get an opportunity to exchange information on many things. We have been in constant touch. There have been many high-level meetings between the two sides on a regular basis,” PM Modi said.“140 crore Indians are eagerly waiting for you for our 23rd summit in December this year. This reflects the depth and breadth of the special and privileged partnership,” he added.
