At the SCO summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin captured global attention. The discussion focused on energy, defence, and regional stability, sending a clear signal that India will maintain strategic independence despite Western pressure. Modi balanced engagement with Russia, China, and other partners while pursuing national interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin became the defining moment of this year’s SCO summit in Tianjin. The leaders discussed energy, fertilisers, defence, security, and cultural cooperation, showcasing India’s commitment to dialogue and peace. The public display of warmth highlighted India’s strategic autonomy under increasing pressure from the United States.

Modi-Putin Meeting Emphasises Longstanding Partnership
Putin welcomed Modi as his “dear friend” and invited him into his Aurus limousine, a gesture widely circulated in the media. The two leaders held in-depth talks covering multiple sectors, including energy, fertilisers, defence, and cultural collaboration. Modi reiterated India’s call for dialogue and peace in Ukraine, while Putin described the ties as “special and privileged.” Modi highlighted India’s consistent engagement with Russia, noting multiple high-level meetings and upcoming summits.

India Maintains Independence Amid Western Pressure
The bilateral meeting came weeks after the U.S. imposed tariffs on Indian exports and questioned India’s Russian crude imports. Modi’s presence alongside Putin made clear that India’s energy and defence policies are guided by affordability and national interest, not external pressure. By balancing ties with Russia, the U.S., the Quad, and Europe, India reaffirmed its ability to make independent strategic choices while keeping partnerships flexible.

SCO Summit Provides Platform for Multipolar Diplomacy
Chinese President Xi Jinping used the SCO to promote a financial system less reliant on the U.S. dollar and proposed an SCO Development Bank. Putin supported these ideas, aiming to counter Western influence. India engaged cautiously, focusing on connectivity, counter-terrorism, and regional stability without committing to financial alternatives. Modi’s interactions ensured India remained an active participant in the bloc while highlighting its preference for a multipolar world.

Conclusion: India Asserts Its Role Between East and West
The SCO summit highlighted overlapping dynamics: China pushing alternative institutions, Russia seeking Asian partners under sanctions, and India asserting strategic autonomy. Modi’s public engagement with Putin sent a clear message to the United States that tariffs and pressure cannot dictate Indian policy. India continues to engage globally on its own terms, balancing interests across multiple partnerships while prioritising national security and energy needs.