PM Modi-Putin Meeting At SCO Summit, Ukraine Peace Push, China's Role In Shifting World Order Explained

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. During the meeting, PM Modi stressed that finding a way to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine is not only a diplomatic necessity but the collective call of humanity. "We have been continuously discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts for peace. We hope that all parties will move forward constructively. A way has to be found to end the conflict as soon as possible and establish lasting peace," PM Modi said, underlining India's balanced approach of dialogue and diplomacy.

#WATCH | During his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...We have been continuously discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts for peace. We hope that all parties will... twitter/QhTR2t2X2U

- ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025

PM's meeting with Putin

PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a bilateral meeting at the SCO Summit. PM Modi said during the meeting, "I am feeling very happy after meeting you...SCO provides a platform to unite the countries of the Global South and East...December 21, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of the elevation of India-Russia ties to a 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'...We enjoy a multi-faceted relationship...Today's meeting is expected to provide a significant boost to the India-Russia relationship. Russia and India enjoy very good relations..."

Sharing my remarks during meeting with President Putin. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025

PM Modi on meeting with Russia President Putin

After the meeting on the sidelines of SCO Summit, PM Modi wrote on X, "Had an excellent meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture. We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability.

Had an excellent meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture. We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including... twitter/DhTyqOysbf

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025

The meeting comes against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions after US President Donald Trump's administration imposed 50 per cent punitive tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian crude oil. Washington has accused India of indirectly funding Moscow's war efforts, a charge India has firmly rejected, pointing instead to what it terms as the West's 'hypocrisy' in handling the crisis.

Putin, on his part, expressed satisfaction over his meeting with PM Modi and reaffirmed Russia's commitment to strengthening ties with India. He highlighted that the SCO provides a platform for Global South and East nations to come together and said the upcoming December 21, 2025, anniversary of the India-Russia 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' underscores the resilience of their relationship.

15 years since Russia and India elevated ties to a special privileged strategic partnership, Russian Prez Putin tells PM Modi at Tianjin bilateral twitter/4cPbnFcTbR

- Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 1, 2025

On the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, PM @narendramodi met with President Putin. The two leaders reviewed cooperation in sectors like trade, energy, space, security, culture and more. They shared views on the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. The PM... twitter/n7u5UpkbaW

- PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 1, 2025

Putin is scheduled to visit India later this year for summit-level talks with PM Modi, an engagement expected to provide further momentum to bilateral ties amid the ongoing turbulence in global politics.

Putin praises India, China roles in Ukraine peace at SCO summit

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Putin praised the roles of India and China in efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Speaking at the plenary session, he reiterated Moscow's stance that the conflict did not begin as a result of Russia's invasion, but from what he called a Western-backed 'coup d'état' in Kyiv. Putin added that his recent Alaska meeting with US President Donald Trump created new understandings that could open the way to peace and said he would share these details with leaders during bilateral discussions at the summit. He also stressed that dialogue within the SCO can help build a new Eurasian security system, replacing what he described as outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic frameworks. Highlighting economic cooperation, Putin pointed to the increased use of national currencies in trade among SCO countries and called the pace of regional cooperation impressive.

Xi urges fairness, rejects cold war mindset at SCO summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the summit, urged member nations to uphold fairness and justice, reject a 'Cold War mentality', and resist bullying practices in global politics. Xi linked his remarks to the historical lessons of World War II, stressing the need for multipolarity and cooperation in international governance. His comments reflected China's push to make the SCO a platform that supports balance and dialogue rather than bloc confrontations.

🇷🇺🇨🇳 XI CALLS FOR AI UNITY, DENOUNCES“COLD WAR MENTALITY” AT SCO SUMMITChina's Xi Jinping told over 20 world leaders at the largest-ever SCO summit: let's work together on AI, and stop acting like it's 1962 flexed China's $84B investment in SCO nations, promised 10,000... twitter/ZGz1sqg8Wh

- Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 1, 2025

This year's summit was also notable for the visible camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin, as captured in images shared by PM Modi on X. The photos showed PM Modi warmly greeting Putin and also interacting with Xi, signaling India's continued engagement with both Moscow and Beijing despite wider global tensions. With leaders discussing regional security, trade, and political trust, the SCO Summit 2025 is being seen as a reflection of the growing shift toward a multipolar world order.

Always a delight to meet President Putin! twitter/XtDSyWEmtw

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025

Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit. twitter/K1eKVoHCvv

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025

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