At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring India’s continued engagement with major global powers.
Even as videos of Modi sharing warm handshakes and smiles with Putin and Xi circulated widely, the US Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement reaffirming Washington’s close ties with India.
In a post on X, the Embassy hailed the US–India partnership as “a defining relationship of the 21st century,” noting that it “continues to reach new heights.” It further quoted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said: 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 bilateral ties, it’s the enduring friendship between our two peoples that fuels this journey.
The timing of the Embassy’s message was significant. While Modi’s meetings with Putin and Xi signalled India’s balancing act in global diplomacy, the US move highlighted Washington’s intention to maintain momentum in strategic and economic cooperation with New Delhi.
The reaffirmation of ties also comes against the backdrop of global realignments: Russia seeking to deepen engagement with Asian partners, China pushing for stronger SCO-led frameworks, and the US expanding its Indo-Pacific strategy with India as a central partner.
Looking ahead, India is expected to host Putin for a possible state visit in December, while also deepening cooperation with the US in trade, technology, and defence — a balancing act that reflects New Delhi’s multi-aligned foreign policy approach.
