Watch: Modi, Xi and Putin share candid conversation ahead of SCO plenary session

Modi is set to address the plenary session of the 25th SCO Heads of State Council summit today

As world leaders gathered for the SCO Heads of State Council Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen interacting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A clip capturing the lighthearted interaction among the world leaders is being circulated widely circulated across social media platforms.

Modi is set to address the plenary session of the 25th SCO Heads of State Council summit today in Tianjin, following which he will hold a bilateral meeting with Putin.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other Heads of States/Heads of Governments pose for a group photograph at the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.

(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/UftzXy6g3K

— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025

During a special briefing in Tianjin, foreign secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the Prime Minister will also meet the Russian President following his address at the SCO plenary session.

"Prime Minister will be addressing the plenary session of the Summit, where he will outline India's approach to fostering regional cooperation under the SCO umbrella. After this engagement, he is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, following which he will depart for India," Misri said on Sunday.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with the Xi Jinping on a number of areas, including cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The meeting focused on rebuilding ties that came under severe strain following the over four-year border standoff in eastern Ladakh that ended in October last year.

"Cross-border terrorism was mentioned by the prime minister as a priority. And, I would add that he did underline the fact that this is something that impacts both India and China," Misri said.

"And, that it's important therefore that we extend understanding and extend support to each other as both of us combat cross-border terrorism," he said.

"I would in fact like to say that we have received the understanding and cooperation of China as we have dealt with the issue of cross-border terrorism in the context of the ongoing SCO summit," he added.