Tianjin/Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s easy smiles and warm handshakes with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at the SCO Summit in Tianjin stole global headlines, even as Washington rushed to reaffirm that India remains its “defining partner of the 21st century.”
While images of Modi sharing laughter and camaraderie with the Russian and Chinese presidents dominated the summit’s sidelines, the United States moved quickly to underline its own stake in New Delhi. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called ties with India the “defining relationship of the 21st century,” stressing that the “enduring friendship” between the two nations continues to anchor cooperation in defense, trade, and innovation.
Echoing the sentiment, the US Embassy in New Delhi posted on X, encapsulating the partnership in three words: “people, progress, possibilities.”
The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights — a defining relationship of the 21st century. This month, we’re spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and… pic.twitter.com/tjd1tgxNXi
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 1, 2025
The timing of Washington’s reassurance is significant. Bilateral ties have faced strains since the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exports — citing India’s high import duties on American goods and its continued oil purchases from Russia.
Meanwhile, the two-day SCO Summit became a stage for India’s strategic balancing. Modi’s presence alongside leaders of Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian republics was widely seen as an assertion of Global South solidarity.
The visit also carried historic weight: it marked Modi’s first trip to China in seven years, following the bruising 2020 border clash. His visible warmth with Xi and Putin drew sharp global attention — a striking contrast to Washington’s ongoing efforts to diplomatically isolate Moscow and Beijing.
After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful. pic.twitter.com/oYZVGDLxtc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025
