Post by : Rameen Ariff

Photo : Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, where more than 20 leaders from non-Western countries gathered to discuss regional and global issues.

The meeting between the three leaders drew global attention, especially after a short video of them smiling and walking together before the summit went viral. In the clip, PM Modi and President Putin were seen holding hands and walking toward President Xi Jinping, sharing a laugh along the way. Their light-hearted interaction stood out amid serious geopolitical discussions.

California Governor’s Political Comment

Meanwhile, in the United States, California Governor Gavin Newsom used the video to make a political comment on Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard in US cities. On X (formerly Twitter), Governor Newsom posted the video of the three world leaders along with a caption:

“But have no fear, Trump is sending the Guard to Chicago.”

The post referred to Trump’s controversial plan to send National Guard troops to Chicago and New York to address crime and illegal immigration. Mr. Trump had said he wanted to make cities “very, very safe” by deploying nearly 5,000 troops to Los Angeles during immigration enforcement protests.

Governor Newsom, a Democrat and potential White House hopeful for 2028, has criticized Trump’s plans, highlighting the contrast between global diplomacy and domestic policy.

Context of the SCO Summit

The SCO summit in Tianjin brought together leaders from Asia, Russia, and other non-Western nations. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including economic cooperation, energy security, and regional stability.

The meeting between PM Modi, President Putin, and President Xi was symbolic because all three countries are major players in energy and trade in Asia and the world. India and China are among the largest buyers of Russian crude oil, and their economic ties with Russia have been closely watched, especially as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues into its fourth year.

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Trade Tensions Between India and the US

The SCO meeting took place against a backdrop of rising trade tensions between India and the United States. President Trump recently imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, including an extra 25% levy on India’s purchases of Russian oil, bringing total duties on Indian imports to 50%. This makes these tariffs among the highest applied by the US to any country.

India strongly opposed these measures, calling them “unjustified and unreasonable”, and stated it would take all steps necessary to protect its economic interests and national security. In contrast, China has been spared from similar tariffs, even though it also imports large amounts of Russian oil.

SCO Summit and Global Diplomacy

The summit highlighted India’s growing role in international diplomacy. PM Modi, as the leader of the world’s largest democracy, engaged directly with Russia and China to strengthen trade, energy, and political cooperation.

President Putin, facing global sanctions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, also used the summit to reaffirm ties with India and China. Similarly, President Xi Jinping focused on regional stability and strengthening China’s role in Asia and Central Asia.

The meeting took place amid global attention on peace talks for the Russia-Ukraine war. While Trump urged Russia and Ukraine to reach an agreement, the conflict continues, making the discussions at the SCO summit particularly significant for regional security and energy markets.

The Human Side of Global Politics

The video of the three leaders laughing and walking together provided a rare human moment amid heavy political discussions. Observers noted that such gestures show diplomatic warmth and cooperation even when international tensions are high.

While PM Modi focused on India’s economic interests, President Putin sought support amid sanctions, and President Xi emphasized regional collaboration, the brief interactions captured on video reminded the world that diplomacy often involves personal connections as much as policy decisions.

Why This Meeting Matters

1. Energy Security: India and China’s continued purchase of Russian oil helps Russia maintain revenue amid sanctions.

2. Economic Cooperation: Leaders discussed trade deals, regional investments, and ways to strengthen non-Western partnerships.

3. Regional Stability: With conflicts in Ukraine and rising US-China tensions, SCO offers a platform for dialogue among Asian powers.

4. Global Influence: India, Russia, and China demonstrated that major decisions can be made outside Western institutions like the G7 or NATO.

The meeting also underscores the contrast between global diplomacy and domestic politics in the US, as seen by Governor Newsom’s comment. While the world leaders meet to discuss energy, trade, and security, domestic leaders in the US debate law enforcement, immigration, and public safety.

The SCO summit in Tianjin was more than a regular diplomatic gathering. The meeting of PM Modi, President Putin, and President Xi highlighted India’s growing international influence, the strategic importance of energy and trade, and the need for regional cooperation amid ongoing global crises.

As trade tensions continue with the US, and as the Russia-Ukraine war persists, these discussions will likely shape the economic and political landscape of Asia for years to come. The light-hearted moments in the viral video also remind the world that diplomacy is not only about negotiations and conflicts but also about human connection and mutual respect among leaders.