2025 SCO Summit Tianjin: What Modi, Putin, and Xi Didn’t Say Publicly

The RIC Troika Modi, Putin, and Xi at the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin

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On September 1, 2025, the world witnessed a powerful moment at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China: a rare, informal trilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and President Xi Jinping of China.➡

This “RIC” (Russia-India-China) gathering happened just before the official session, sending a clear message of unity in today’s multipolar world. Modi and Putin shared warm gestures, including an affectionate ride in Putin’s Aurus limousine, while both leaders referred to each other as long-standing friends. The atmosphere was filled with rare camaraderie, highlighting the strength of their ties.

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A Unified Message Against Western Pressure

The summit came at a time of heightened tensions with the West. India is facing steep U.S. tariffs over its continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, while Russia continues to navigate sanctions and Western criticism over the Ukraine conflict. At the same time, China has been vocal in promoting a new global order that reduces dependence on Western-led institutions.

Together, the three leaders used the moment to showcase solidarity. Xi emphasized multilateral cooperation, development initiatives, and the importance of alternative financial systems under the SCO framework. Proposals included a development bank, artificial intelligence partnerships, and greater scientific collaboration, including work on a lunar research station.

Reviving Regional Diplomacy: India-China Relations

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Only a few years ago, India and China were locked in tense border clashes. But since the disengagement and agreements of 2024, the two countries have been trying to reset their relationship. Both nations now describe themselves as “development partners” rather than rivals, and they have created mechanisms to continue dialogue on boundary issues.
At Tianjin, Modi and Xi deliberately highlighted this reset, presenting a picture of cooperation and shared goals in shaping a peaceful and multipolar Asia.

Strategic Autonomy: India’s Balancing Act

India’s participation in the RIC meeting reflects its long-standing principle of strategic autonomy. While it continues to deepen trade and energy ties with Russia reaching record levels of bilateral trade in recent years it also maintains strong relations with Western partners. This balancing act allows India to avoid over-reliance on any single bloc, instead positioning itself as an independent power and a “third pole” in global geopolitics.
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What Lies Ahead?

• India-Russia: Their trust-based relationship remains strong, with both sides committed to expanding trade and cooperation in energy and defense.

• India-China: With border disengagement completed, both sides appear ready to explore new opportunities in trade, technology, and regional stability.

• Regional Role of SCO: The organisation may evolve into a powerful platform for Asia’s future not only in economic matters but also as an alternative to Western-dominated global institutions.

Final Thoughts

The Tianjin meeting of Modi, Putin, and Xi was more than a symbolic photo opportunity. It reflected a calculated display of solidarity among three major non Western powers. For India, it underlined the importance of maintaining independence in foreign policy, deepening ties with old partners, and forging new paths in regional diplomacy.
In many ways, this gathering was a snapshot of the 21st century’s shifting global order one where Asia’s voice is louder, stronger, and increasingly central.