SCO Summit 2025: Modi and Putin's Warm Bond Amidst Diplomatic Tension with Pakistan

Strategic Insights -

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Monday, September 1, saw a significant moment when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin walked past Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif without acknowledging him. The scene has been widely shared on social media, sparking online commentary and highlighting the complex diplomatic dynamics at play. Amidst this, Modi and Putin were seen sharing a warm moment, exchanging a hug ahead of their formal bilateral meeting. The SCO summit, hosted by China, was the largest in its history, with 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations in attendance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SCO Summit in Tianjin on Monday, September 1, witnessed a notable moment where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin walked past Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif without acknowledging him, sparking online commentary.
  • The scene was widely shared on social media, with viewers pointing out the physical and diplomatic distance between Modi, Sharif, and Putin.
  • Modi and Putin were seen sharing a warm moment, exchanging a hug ahead of their formal bilateral meeting.
  • The SCO summit, hosted by China, marked the largest gathering in the organisation's history, with 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations in attendance.
  • President Xi Jinping stated in his address at the welcome banquet that the SCO "bears greater responsibilities in safeguarding regional peace and stability" and expressed confidence that the summit would "make a greater contribution to boosting the unity and cooperation among member states."
  • The SCO has 10 full members, 2 observers, and 14 dialogue partners, spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa, and representing nearly half the world's population.
  • The summit began on Sunday evening (August 31) with a grand welcome banquet hosted by President Xi Jingping.

Statistics:

  • 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations attended the SCO summit in Tianjin.
  • The SCO has 10 full members, 2 observers, and 14 dialogue partners.
  • The SCO summit was the largest gathering in the organisation's history.
  • The SCO represents nearly half the world's population.
  • 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
  • August 31: Summit formally began with a grand welcome banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping.

Sources:

  • "Modi, Putin Share Warmth as Sharif Stands Alone." Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd., 2025.