Tianjin — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the resilience of India’s partnership with Russia on Monday, declaring that the two countries stand together even in the most difficult times. His remarks came during a highly symbolic encounter with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO summit in China, where both leaders sought to project solidarity in the face of mounting Western pressure.
Modi, addressing Putin directly, said that the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia had endured decades of global turbulence and continues to serve as a vital anchor for peace, stability, and prosperity.
The Indian leader emphasized that cooperation spanned critical areas such as trade, fertilizers, space, security, and culture, while highlighting Russia’s role in safeguarding India’s energy security. Russia deepens ties with China as Ukraine war grinds on, adding further weight to the multipolar vision emerging from Eurasia.
In a striking gesture of camaraderie, Putin invited Modi to ride with him in his armored Aurus limousine. The two leaders clasped hands as they walked together to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, a tableau that underlined the emerging multipolar order and India’s determination to assert strategic autonomy.
For Modi, such imagery reinforced his government’s refusal to bend under Washington’s tariff squeeze, which recently saw punitive 50 percent duties slapped on Indian exports by the Trump administration.
The optics of the SCO meeting signaled more than friendship. India, Russia, and China showcased their alignment in challenging Western dominance, seeking to position themselves as a counterweight to the US and its allies.
By choosing to share the stage so prominently, Modi and Putin sent a clear message to global capitals that Eurasia’s future will not be dictated by unilateral Western designs.
At the same time, Modi noted India’s continuing call for peace in Ukraine. He recalled his recent talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, insisting that dialogue remains the only path forward. Yet, his overt show of solidarity with Moscow made clear where New Delhi’s long-term priorities lie.
According to Reuters, Modi’s words and Putin’s gestures were meant to remind the world that India and Russia’s relationship remains unshaken, a partnership rooted in history but equally relevant to the challenges of today.
