Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged a brief handshake and conversation on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The two leaders are attending the 26th SCO gathering that marks 25 years of the grouping. While no bilateral was scheduled, an informal interaction nevertheless took place amid group events, photographs and multilateral sessions at the summit hosted by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.&nbsp;The moment comes as New Delhi and Beijing pursue a cautious reset after the 2020 border clashes in eastern Ladakh. Both sides have completed several rounds of disengagement at friction points along the Line of Actual Control and revived the Special Representatives mechanism on the boundary question. High-level contacts have increased, though the overall relationship is still shaped by the military standoff and a large trade imbalance in China’s favour.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/skip-foreign-trips-don-t-buy-gold-pm-modi-s-swadeshi-push-after-india-clocks-7-8-gdp-growth-1788237060560">'Skip foreign trips, don't buy gold': PM Modi's swadeshi push after India clocks 7.8% GDP growth</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands at SCO Summit <a href="https://t.co/JPieuLhEGm">pic.twitter.com/JPieuLhEGm</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2094651258779111770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

PM Modi arrived in Bishkek after visiting Uzbekistan. He held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he shared a warm hug, and met other leaders including Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian. Xi arrived a day earlier and held separate discussions with Putin. The three leaders last appeared together at the 2025 SCO summit in Tianjin, China, where they were photographed in a brief huddle.&nbsp;The Bishkek encounter carries extra weight because India will host the BRICS summit in New Delhi on 12-13 September. Xi is expected to attend, in what would be his first visit to India in several years.&nbsp;&nbsp;China remains India’s largest trading partner in goods, and both countries sit in overlapping forums such as BRICS, SCO and the G20. At the same time, New Delhi continues to deepen ties with the United States, Japan and Australia through the Quad, and has been vocal about terrorism and respect for sovereignty.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">PM Modi meets Xi, Putin and Iran’s Pezeshkian at the SCO Summit today, poses for group photo with SCO leaders <a href="https://t.co/MgwRlJmhx5">pic.twitter.com/MgwRlJmhx5</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2094652227269152862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

SCO Summit: PM Modi, China President Xi shake hands, hold talks on sidelines in Bishkek

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged a brief handshake and conversation on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The two leaders are attending the 26th SCO gathering that marks 25 years of the grouping. While no bilateral was scheduled, an informal interaction nevertheless took place amid group events, photographs and multilateral sessions at the summit hosted by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. The moment comes as New Delhi and Beijing pursue a cautious reset after the 2020 border clashes in eastern Ladakh. Both sides have completed several rounds of disengagement at friction points along the Line of Actual Control and revived the Special Representatives mechanism on the boundary question. High-level contacts have increased, though the overall relationship is still shaped by the military standoff and a large trade imbalance in China’s favour. Also Read: 'Skip foreign trips, don't buy gold': PM Modi's swadeshi push after India clocks 7.8% GDP growth

The moment comes as New Delhi and Beijing pursue a cautious reset after the 2020 border clashes in eastern Ladakh. Both sides have completed several rounds of disengagement at friction points along the Line of Actual Control

India's clout on the global stage can be summed up in two car rides and body language of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin, China on Sunday and Monday (Sep 1). While the bonhomie of Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin was evident in photos and videos, the newfound warmth between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping caught the interest of observers. Here is Modi at SCO as a story of car rides and close interactions.<h2>Modi got Xis' favoured car at SCO summit</h2>&nbsp;According to media reports, Xi provided Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a Hongqi L5 limousine for his official commute at Tianjin for the SCO summit. This is being seen as a diplomatic gesture, as Xi prefers the same model for his state visits. The Hongui L5 is also seen as a "Made in China" symbol. &nbsp; The car is part of the iconic "Red Flag" series that Xi used on several occasions, including his 2019 state visit to India. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-india-will-never-compromise-pm-narendra-modi-s-firm-response-after-trump-imposes-50-tariff-trade-war-india-us-trade-deal-1754542590867">'India will never compromise...': PM Modi's firm response after Trump imposes 50% tariff</a><h2>Modi shared ride with Putin for bilateral meeting at SCO</h2>On Monday, Modi and Putin were photographed together on the passenger seat of the same car, as they proceeded for a bilateral meeting after the summit's main event. They were sitting in Putin's official Aurus Senat limousine.This is in fact a repeat of a similar ride the two leaders shared in July 2024 during Modi's visit to Russia in a different electric vehicle at Putin's residence.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2025-xi-important-for-india-china-to-be-friends-good-neighbours-1756643327439/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2025-xi-important-for-india-china-to-be-friends-good-neighbours-1756643327439/embed</a><h2>Body language and bonhomie of Modi, Putin and Xi were unmissable at SCO summit</h2>The coming together of Modi, Putin and Xi came amid US President Donald Trump's tariff wars and punishment of India for buying Russian oil, which, according to the US, is fuelling the Ukraine war.&nbsp; Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rules-out-trade-talks-after-pm-modi-s-india-would-not-compromise-statement-on-tariffs-what-this-means-1754614462056">Trump rules out trade talks after PM Modi's 'India would not compromise' statement on tariffs: What this means</a>&nbsp;From the photos and videos of the summit, their body language exuded bonhomie. Modi displayed notable warmth with both Xi and Putin, in a sign of strategic realignments amid global tensions.Upon his arrival in Tianjin, Modi was welcomed with a ceremonial gesture, including a child presenting flowers, and Xi personally greeted him at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of the Chinese parliament. &nbsp;Modi's use of the Hongqi L5 limousine is being seen as a sign of respect for a global leader.In their bilateral discussions, Modi and Xi discussed stabilising the ties rocked by recent border tensions. Modi stressed peace and progress, while Xi highlighted that India and China are two great civilisations, while noting the importance of ‘the elephant and dragon dancing together.’' &nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-modi-not-pick-up-four-calls-from-trump-german-newspaper-report-claims-1756198908072"> Did Modi not pick up four calls from Trump? German newspaper makes this claim amid US tariff threat and Russia oil trade punishment</a><h2>Modi's personal huddles with Putin at SCO</h2>At the summit as well as their one-on-one interactions, Modi’s rapport with Putin was visible, with one photo capturing the Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif looking on, almost ignored, while the Indian PM and Russian leader were having an animated conversation. &nbsp;The two leaders discussed the deep bilateral ties, including trade and defence. Putin praised Modi for trying to resolve the Ukraine conflict, while Modi reaffirmed India’s role in fostering peace.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the SCO Summit in Tianjin, PM Modi’s warm gestures with Xi and Putin — from sharing Xi’s Hongqi L5 limousine to riding with Putin in his Aurus — highlighted India’s rising clout. Their close body language signaled strategic realignments amid Trump’s tariff war and global tensions. 


India's clout on the global stage can be summed up in two car rides and body language of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin, China on Sunday and Monday (Sep 1). While the bonhomie of Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin was evident in photos and videos, the newfound warmth between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping caught the interest of observers. Here is Modi at SCO as a story of car rides and close interactions. Modi got Xis' favoured car at SCO summit According to media reports, Xi provided Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a Hongqi L5 limousine for his official commute at Tianjin for the SCO summit. This is being seen as a diplomatic gesture, as Xi prefers the same model for his state visits. The Hongui L5 is also seen as a "Made in China" symbol. The car is part of the iconic "Red Flag" series that Xi used on several occasions, including his 2019 state visit to India. Also read: 'India will never compromise...': PM Modi's firm response after Trump imposes 50% tariff Modi shared ride with Putin for bilateral meeting at SCO On Monday, Modi and Putin were photographed together on the passenger seat of the same car, as they proceeded for a bilateral meeting after the summit's main event. They were sitting in Putin's official Aurus Senat limousine. This is in fact a repeat of a similar ride the two leaders shared in July 2024 during Modi's visit to Russia in a different electric vehicle at Putin's residence. https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2025-xi-important-for-india-china-to-be-friends-good-neighbours-1756643327439/embed Body language and bonhomie of Modi, Putin and Xi were unmissable at SCO summit The coming together of Modi, Putin and Xi came amid US President Donald Trump's tariff wars and punishment of India for buying Russian oil, which, according to the US, is fuelling the Ukraine war. Also read: Trump rules out trade talks after PM Modi's 'India would not compromise' statement on tariffs: What this means From the photos and videos of the summit, their body language exuded bonhomie. Modi displayed notable warmth with both Xi and Putin, in a sign of strategic realignments amid global tensions. Upon his arrival in Tianjin, Modi was welcomed with a ceremonial gesture, including a child presenting flowers, and Xi personally greeted him at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of the Chinese parliament. Modi's use of the Hongqi L5 limousine is being seen as a sign of respect for a global leader. In their bilateral discussions, Modi and Xi discussed stabilising the ties rocked by recent border tensions. Modi stressed peace and progress, while Xi highlighted that India and China are two great civilisations, while noting the importance of ‘the elephant and dragon dancing together.’' Also read: Did Modi not pick up four calls from Trump? German newspaper makes this claim amid US tariff threat and Russia oil trade punishment Modi's personal huddles with Putin at SCO At the summit as well as their one-on-one interactions, Modi’s rapport with Putin was visible, with one photo capturing the Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif looking on, almost ignored, while the Indian PM and Russian leader were having an animated conversation. The two leaders discussed the deep bilateral ties, including trade and defence. Putin praised Modi for trying to resolve the Ukraine conflict, while Modi reaffirmed India’s role in fostering peace.

At the SCO Summit, PM Modi’s warm gestures with Xi and Putin — from sharing Xi’s Hongqi L5 limousine to riding with Putin in his Aurus — highlighted India’s rising clout. Their body language signalled strategic realignments amid Trump’s tariff war. &nbsp;Why does it matter? &nbsp;

Modi at SCO summit in two car rides and body language bonhomie: Indian PM was given Xi's favourite ride, and had Putin by the side at Tianjin

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been provided with the symbolic "Made in China" Hongqi car by the Chinese government for use during his two-day stay for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, reported India Today. The car is President Xi Jinping’s preferred mode of transport.&nbsp;The Hongqi L5 car was used by Xi when he visited PM Modi in Mahabalipuram in 2019.&nbsp;Hongqi, a symbol of "Made in China," was first manufactured in 1958 by the state-owned First Automotive Works (FAW) for the elite of the Communist Party of China (CPC).&nbsp;Modi-XI Meeting&nbsp;Earlier today Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1.&nbsp;During the bilateral meeting, both leaders underlined the importance of India-China ties amid global uncertainty. While PM Modi said trust, respect and sensitivity are key for the relationship and a strong bond between the two nations would bring ‘welfare for humanity’, the Chinese president said that both countries should work together to promote the ‘progress of human society.’&nbsp;Modi is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a few Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.&nbsp;The SCO is a group of 10-member countries that include India, China, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;List of world leaders attending the SCO summit&nbsp;<ul><li>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi</li><li>Russian President Vladimir Putin</li><li>Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian&nbsp;</li><li>Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan</li><li>Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing</li><li>Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli</li><li>Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto (Cancelled visit due to unrest in country)</li><li>Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim</li><li>Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif</li><li>Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu &nbsp;</li></ul>

Modi is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a few Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been provided with the symbolic "Made in China" Hongqi car by the Chinese government for use during his two-day stay for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, reported India Today. The car is President Xi Jinping’s preferred mode of transport. The Hongqi L5 car was used by Xi when he visited PM Modi in Mahabalipuram in 2019. Hongqi, a symbol of "Made in China," was first manufactured in 1958 by the state-owned First Automotive Works (FAW) for the elite of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Modi-XI Meeting Earlier today Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1. During the bilateral meeting, both leaders underlined the importance of India-China ties amid global uncertainty. While PM Modi said trust, respect and sensitivity are key for the relationship and a strong bond between the two nations would bring ‘welfare for humanity’, the Chinese president said that both countries should work together to promote the ‘progress of human society.’ Modi is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a few Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. The SCO is a group of 10-member countries that include India, China, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. List of world leaders attending the SCO summit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Russian President Vladimir Putin Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto (Cancelled visit due to unrest in country) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu

Modi is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a few Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.

Xi-Modi bonhomie on display at SCO as Chinese President's preferred car Hongqi given to Indian PM Modi for commute in Tianjin: Report

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President XI Jinping are likely to meet on the sidelines of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in China's Tianjin on August 31. Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the date. The development comes as India and China are actively working to reset their bilateral relations amid US President Donald Trump's tariff war. PM Modi will be in China from August 31 to September 1 for the SCO Summit. As many as 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be in China amid geopolitical tensions over Trump's trade war and global uncertainties. Notably, Prime Minister Modi and the Chinese Premier will meet after an year in a visit that will be PM Modi's first to China in seven years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-happened-when-indian-pm-modi-and-china-s-xi-jinping-held-informal-summits-in-wuhan-and-mamallapuram-1756189187935">What happened when Indian PM Modi and China's Xi Jinping held informal summits in Wuhan and Mamallapuram</a><h2>India-China resetting ties&nbsp;</h2>India and China are cautiously working to reset their strained bilateral ties through diplomatic engagements and high-level meetings. Amid past border tensions and geopolitical shifts, both sides aim to stabilise relations by resuming dialogue, enhancing communication, and managing disputes without escalation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India from August 18–19, signaled a major shift toward easing tensions and restoring cooperation between the two Asian powers. He met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval to revive dialogue after years of strained relations due to border clashes and geopolitical friction.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sea-side-diplomacy-coconut-water-and-candid-chats-what-happened-when-china-s-xi-jinping-met-pm-modi-in-veshti-in-india-informal-mamallapuram-summit-1756020057717">Sea-side diplomacy, coconut water and candid chats: What happened when China's Xi Jinping met PM Modi in India for informal summit</a>&nbsp;Both sides agreed to strengthen communication channels, resume talks under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC), and explore practical steps to ensure peace along the disputed boundary. Confidence-building measures and the early resolution of border issues were central to the discussions. India and China decided to restart direct flights, reopen border trading posts (like Nathu La and Lipulekh), and simplify visa procedures for religious pilgrims and business travelers. This includes resuming access to key spiritual sites such as Kailash Mansarovar. Beijing agreed to lift bans on critical exports to India, including rare earths, fertilizers, and infrastructure equipment, providing a boost to Indian manufacturing and agriculture sectors.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gathering-of-solidarity-friendship-china-welcomes-pm-modi-for-sco-summit-visit-1754667257818">'Gathering of solidarity, friendship...': China welcomes PM Modi for SCO Summit visit</a>&nbsp;The visit comes amid increasing economic tension with the US, particularly over new tariff policies under Donald Trump. Both India and China voiced their opposition to protectionism and emphasized the need for stable, rules-based trade. The visit also paved the way for Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming trip to Tianjin for the SCO Summit, where he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping for the first time in a year. Both countries see this as a critical moment to recalibrate their partnership and avoid further confrontation. Currently, the SCO membership consists of 10 nations — India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017. During 2022-23, India held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-relations-direct-flights-border-trade-to-resume-modi-xi-jinping-hail-ties-1755688457263/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-relations-direct-flights-border-trade-to-resume-modi-xi-jinping-hail-ties-1755688457263/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, on August 31. This marks Modi’s first China visit in seven years, as both nations seek to reset ties amid Trump’s trade war.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President XI Jinping are likely to meet on the sidelines of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in China's Tianjin on August 31. Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the date. The development comes as India and China are actively working to reset their bilateral relations amid US President Donald Trump's tariff war. PM Modi will be in China from August 31 to September 1 for the SCO Summit. As many as 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be in China amid geopolitical tensions over Trump's trade war and global uncertainties. Notably, Prime Minister Modi and the Chinese Premier will meet after an year in a visit that will be PM Modi's first to China in seven years. Read More | What happened when Indian PM Modi and China's Xi Jinping held informal summits in Wuhan and Mamallapuram India-China resetting ties India and China are cautiously working to reset their strained bilateral ties through diplomatic engagements and high-level meetings. Amid past border tensions and geopolitical shifts, both sides aim to stabilise relations by resuming dialogue, enhancing communication, and managing disputes without escalation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India from August 18–19, signaled a major shift toward easing tensions and restoring cooperation between the two Asian powers. He met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval to revive dialogue after years of strained relations due to border clashes and geopolitical friction. Read More | Sea-side diplomacy, coconut water and candid chats: What happened when China's Xi Jinping met PM Modi in India for informal summit Both sides agreed to strengthen communication channels, resume talks under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC), and explore practical steps to ensure peace along the disputed boundary. Confidence-building measures and the early resolution of border issues were central to the discussions. India and China decided to restart direct flights, reopen border trading posts (like Nathu La and Lipulekh), and simplify visa procedures for religious pilgrims and business travelers. This includes resuming access to key spiritual sites such as Kailash Mansarovar. Beijing agreed to lift bans on critical exports to India, including rare earths, fertilizers, and infrastructure equipment, providing a boost to Indian manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Read More | 'Gathering of solidarity, friendship...': China welcomes PM Modi for SCO Summit visit The visit comes amid increasing economic tension with the US, particularly over new tariff policies under Donald Trump. Both India and China voiced their opposition to protectionism and emphasized the need for stable, rules-based trade. The visit also paved the way for Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming trip to Tianjin for the SCO Summit, where he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping for the first time in a year. Both countries see this as a critical moment to recalibrate their partnership and avoid further confrontation. Currently, the SCO membership consists of 10 nations — India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017. During 2022-23, India held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-relations-direct-flights-border-trade-to-resume-modi-xi-jinping-hail-ties-1755688457263/embed

Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, on August 31. This marks Modi’s first China visit in seven years, as both nations seek to reset ties amid Trump’s trade war.

PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping likely to meet on sidelines of SCO summit - Details out

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SCO Summit: PM Modi, China President Xi shake hands, hold talks on sidelines in Bishkek

Modi at SCO summit as a story of two car rides and bonhomie with Xi and Putin

Xi Jinping’s preferred car Hongqi given to Modi for commute during SCO summit

Indian PM Modi, Chinese President Xi likely to meet on sidelines of SCO summit

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