PM Modi, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin Share Handshake at SCO Summit in Bishkek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged a brief handshake ahead of the family photograph at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. Russian President Vladimir Putin was also present as leaders gathered at the Yrys Ordo Congress Hall. The moment comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between India and China, with both sides continuing efforts to manage differences while looking for areas of common interest. Modi had invited Xi to attend the 2026 BRICS Summit, which India is scheduled to host later this month. Xi thanked Modi for the invitation and conveyed China's support for India's BRICS presidency.

The possibility of greater India-China engagement through multilateral forums was also discussed by China Global Television Network (CGTN) journalist Zhao Yunfei. He said platforms such as the SCO and BRICS could provide more opportunities for Modi and Xi to meet and discuss issues of mutual interest.

Zhao noted that India and China, as neighbouring countries, need to continue addressing their differences while also working together on matters that could benefit people across the region. He described the SCO as an important platform for such engagement and said BRICS could provide another avenue for cooperation, particularly among emerging economies and countries of the Global South.

On the possibility of Xi attending the upcoming BRICS Summit in India, Zhao said he did not have confirmed information about the Chinese president's schedule. He added that more details could emerge later and emphasised the growing importance of BRICS as a platform for economic cooperation among developing and emerging economies.

The latest interaction also follows recent progress in India-China military communication. On August 26, the two countries agreed to establish two additional meeting points for General Level Mechanism or Senior Highest Military Commander-level talks. The move is aimed at improving coordination and strengthening border-management arrangements.

India and China also agreed to create two additional military hotline channels covering the Eastern and Middle Sectors. These measures were among the eight outcomes and areas of consensus reached during the 25th round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China on the boundary issue. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the talks in Beijing.

While the brief handshake between Modi and Xi does not by itself signal a major shift in bilateral relations, it highlights the importance of maintaining direct communication between the two Asian powers. With the SCO and BRICS offering further opportunities for high-level meetings, India-China ties are likely to remain closely watched in the months ahead.