In prime moments from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen in a brief conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. A video from the summit on Monday, September 1, showed the three leaders in a casual huddle, exchanging smiles and words. The clip quickly gained attention and spread online.

SCO Summit brings leaders together

Both Modi and Putin are in China to attend the SCO Heads of State Council Summit, which has drawn more than 20 global leaders. The two-day event is being hosted by President Xi in Tianjin, a key northern port city.

On the second day, the SCO Plus session is also taking place, adding to the wider scope of the summit. This day is significant because Modi is expected to come face-to-face with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the meetings. In addition, a bilateral discussion between Modi and Putin is scheduled.

Modi’s message on X

After the video of the three leaders surfaced, Modi shared his own update from Tianjin. He wrote on X, “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”

Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit. pic.twitter.com/K1eKVoHCvv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025