Power Optics: Modi & Putin’s Backseat Diplomacy Steals The Show At SCO Summit 

That’s exactly what happened on Monday in Tianjin, China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin were seen seated in the back of a highly advanced, secure vehicle, driving from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit venue to their bilateral meeting location. The visuals showcased not just camaraderie, but also a striking personal connection.

While the drive lasted only 10 minutes, the two leaders remained inside the vehicle for an additional 45 minutes, engaged in a one-on-one, confidential conversation, without aides, while senior officials from both countries waited patiently for the delegation-level talks.

Other photos from the day painted an equally telling story: Modi and Putin laughing, shaking hands warmly, walking hand in hand, all the while ignoring Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who stood nearby.

In another frame, the “big three” — Modi, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping — were seen in a warm exchange, deep in conversation.

Strategic Messaging: Security, Connectivity, Opportunity

PM Modi and President Xi Jinping had already held a 50-minute bilateral meeting the day before, described by officials as "fruitful." The images and videos emerging from Tianjin were powerful, and some say indicative of a potential new global coalition between India, Russia, and China, aimed at counterbalancing the increasing pressure tactics, tariffs, and sanctions from the Trump administration.

PM Modi laid out India's SCO policy built on three pillars: S for Security, C for Connectivity, and O for Opportunity.

He took the opportunity to address terrorism directly: “For the past four decades, India has borne the grave scars of ruthless terrorism. The recent heinous attack in Pahalgam is not just an assault on India’s conscience, but also a challenge to every nation that values humanity. Can open support for terrorism by certain countries ever be acceptable? We must say clearly and in one voice: double standards on terrorism are unacceptable.”

Joint Declaration Echoes India’s Concerns

The SCO’s final declaration echoed India’s position: “The member states strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. They stress that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable and reaffirm their commitment to combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism in all forms.”

This marks a significant diplomatic achievement for India, particularly as earlier efforts at the Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao had fallen short.

PM Modi and Chinese President Xi reiterated that India and China are development partners, not rivals, and that their differences must not escalate into disputes. Both leaders noted satisfaction over last year’s disengagement along the border.

Direct flights between India and China, suspended post-Galwan, are set to resume. Agreements were made to facilitate the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra and restore tourist visas. PM Modi also invited the Chinese President to the BRICS summit in 2026, which India will host.

India’s Rising Confidence Vs Trump’s Bullying Tactics

Meanwhile, the Trump administration, and President Trump himself, are said to be closely watching these developments. Several US policy analysts admit that Trump underestimated India’s resolve under PM Modi.

The New York Times recently revealed that Modi had refused Trump’s calls at least four times, citing concerns over Trump's unpredictable social media behaviour. This story, originally broken by German and Japanese outlets, underscores the fraying ties between the two leaders.

The Economist, in its August 29 edition, said: “For America to alienate India is a grave mistake. For India, this is a moment of opportunity — a defining test of its claim to be a superpower in waiting.”

Renowned economist Richard Wolff also stated in a podcast: “The US is trying to act like the world’s tough guy but is shooting itself in the foot. Trump tried to bully India into ditching Russia. India is not budging — and why should they?”

(The writer is a senior, Delhi-based journalist with over three decades of experience. Views are personal)