Modi, Xi Jinping and Putin Share Warm Handshake at SCO Summit in Bishkek
Kamal Singh|Newsdesk7
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Bishkek, September 1, 2026: A significant diplomatic moment unfolded at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were seen exchanging handshakes and sharing a brief interaction ahead of the formal proceedings.
Bishkek, September 1, 2026: A significant diplomatic moment unfolded at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were seen exchanging handshakes and sharing a brief interaction ahead of the formal proceedings.
The visuals from the summit have drawn considerable attention as the leaders of India, China and Russia met at a time of major geopolitical shifts and continuing global conflicts.
Modi and Xi Exchange Handshake
PM Modi and Xi Jinping were seen shaking hands and briefly speaking as SCO leaders gathered for the official group photograph.
The interaction comes amid India's efforts to improve bilateral relations with China while continuing discussions on outstanding border-related issues.
The meeting is particularly significant as India has stressed that differences between the two countries should be managed through dialogue while maintaining respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Modi-Putin Meeting Focuses on Peace
PM Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.
During their discussions, Modi called for a move away from prolonged conflicts and towards peace, telling Putin that the world needs to move from “endless war” towards an end to the war in Ukraine.
The two leaders also discussed India-Russia relations and wider international developments.
Why the SCO Moment Matters
The gathering of Modi, Xi and Putin has significance beyond the symbolism of the handshake.
India, China and Russia are three major powers within the SCO framework, and their interaction comes amid rapidly changing geopolitical alignments.
The 26th SCO Summit is bringing together leaders from several countries to discuss regional security, connectivity, economic cooperation and other international issues.
India's priorities include energy security, counter-terrorism, connectivity, combating drug trafficking and strengthening economic cooperation across the region.
Global Leaders Gather in Bishkek
The summit has attracted leaders from across Eurasia, including Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and other regional leaders.
The SCO has increasingly become an important forum for discussions involving India, China, Russia, Central Asia and other member states.
India Balances Key Relationships
For New Delhi, the summit provides an opportunity to engage simultaneously with China and Russia while advancing India's own strategic priorities.
The Modi-Xi interaction is being watched particularly closely because India-China ties have been undergoing a cautious improvement following years of tensions along the border.
At the same time, India continues to maintain its longstanding strategic partnership with Russia while encouraging diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Key Highlights PM Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered at the SCO Summit in Bishkek. Modi and Xi were seen shaking hands and briefly interacting before the group photograph. Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Putin. Modi urged movement from prolonged war towards lasting peace. The SCO discussions are focused on security, connectivity, energy and economic cooperation. The meeting comes amid major geopolitical developments involving India, China, Russia and the wider region.
