Tianjin/Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visible camaraderie with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin has set off fresh geopolitical ripples.
Even as images of Modi exchanging warm smiles and handshakes with the two leaders dominated global headlines, the United States moved quickly to reaffirm its own stakes in New Delhi. Calling ties with India the “defining relationship of the 21st century,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underlined that the “enduring friendship” between the two nations continues to anchor cooperation in defense, trade, and innovation.
The US Embassy in New Delhi echoed the sentiment on X, summing up the partnership with three words: “people, progress, possibilities.”
The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights — a defining relationship of the 21st century. This month, we’re spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and… pic.twitter.com/tjd1tgxNXi
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 1, 2025
The timing of Washington’s reassurance is notable. Relations have been under stress since the Trump administration slapped a 50% tariff on Indian exports — half attributed to India’s high import duties on US goods and half in retaliation for its sustained oil imports from Russia.
Meanwhile, the two-day SCO summit turned into a showcase of India’s strategic balancing. Modi’s presence alongside leaders of Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian republics was read as an assertion of Global South solidarity.
The visit also carried historic weight for Modi: it was his first trip to China in seven years, coming after the bruising 2020 border standoff. His interactions with Xi and Putin drew keen attention worldwide, with the trio seen laughing and chatting — a sharp contrast to Washington’s efforts to diplomatically corner Moscow and Beijing.
After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful. pic.twitter.com/oYZVGDLxtc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025
