Tianjin: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin is not only hosting high-level talks on trade, regional security, and global conflicts but is also offering glimpses of personal camaraderie among its most powerful leaders. A brief but telling moment between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn attention, underscoring the growing warmth in Beijing-Moscow ties.
Ahead of the traditional group photograph of participating leaders, Xi and Putin were captured sharing smiles and leaning in for a light conversation. Their discussion, aided by interpreters, lasted over a minute, signaling a rapport that goes beyond formal diplomacy. The video, now circulating widely, is being interpreted as a symbol of the deepening alignment between the two powers at a time of increasing friction with the West.
Putin has made it clear that Moscow and Beijing are moving in lockstep on key global platforms. Just before the summit, he reiterated that both nations are “united in strengthening BRICS” and standing firm against what he described as “discriminatory U.S. sanctions” that he argues are stifling economic growth and undermining the sovereignty of many states.
The summit, however, has not been limited to Russia-China dynamics. On the sidelines, President Xi met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with both leaders addressing pressing concerns ranging from cross-border security to bilateral trade. India, grappling with terrorist threats and a tariff dispute with the U.S., received assurances from Beijing of cooperation in countering terrorism.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Modi raised the issue directly, calling terrorism a “scourge” that affects both India and China. “He outlined the fact that this is the scourge that India and China are both victims of. He asked for China’s support on this issue the Chinese have expressed their support,” Misri told reporters.
As leaders from across Asia deliberate on energy, development, and connectivity projects, the lighter moment between Xi and Putin has stood out, highlighting the human side of geopolitics. Analysts suggest that such gestures, while seemingly minor, often carry outsized weight in signaling the direction of global partnerships, particularly when shared between two of the world’s most influential leaders.