At SCO bilaterals, Modi stresses ‘deep-rooted’ ties, cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with a series of world leaders on the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

In a string of posts on social media, Modi shared brief accounts of his meetings — each accompanied by a photograph of him shaking hands with the respective leader.

The flurry of meetings, Indian officials said, highlights how New Delhi is using the SCO platform not just for multilateral deliberations, but also for broadening its diplomatic outreach with partners from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond.

The Prime Minister underlined the “deep-rooted and very special” ties between India and Nepal after meeting his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli. On relations with the Maldives, Modi said his meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu highlighted ongoing developmental cooperation. “India’s developmental cooperation with Maldives is greatly beneficial for our people,” he posted.

“Always a pleasure to interact with Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan. India’s trade and cultural linkages are increasing and this is a wonderful sign,” Modi wrote after his interaction with the Tajik leader.

Recounting his conversation with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Modi noted: “Fondly recalled my Egypt visit a few years ago. India-Egypt friendship is scaling newer heights of progress.”

On his meeting with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Modi said: “Productive exchange of views with President Tokayev of Kazakhstan. Our nations are working closely in many key sectors, including energy, security, healthcare and pharma.”

The PM also described his talks with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko as forward-looking. “We both are very optimistic about the beneficial opportunities ahead as far as our nations are concerned,” he said.

In another post, Modi called his conversation with Vietnam’s Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính “very productive”, stressing India’s keenness to deepen ties in defence, trade and green energy.

He said his meeting with Lao PDR President Thongloun Sisoulith was equally meaningful, adding that closer friendship between the two nations would greatly benefit trade and cultural ties.

“Exchanged perspectives on diverse issues with Serdar Berdimuhamedow, President of Turkmenistan, during our conversation in Tianjin earlier this evening,” Modi noted in yet another post.

On his interaction with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Modi said: “India and Armenia share warm and growing ties, rooted in friendship and mutual cooperation.”