Modi Truly Has a Few Tricks Up His Sleeve

Got to hand it to him—Modi really does have some moves.

At the SCO opening ceremony this morning, before the group photo, he shared a car ride with Putin. Logically speaking, one car per leader would have been plenty.

Once inside the venue, Modi immediately grabbed Putin’s hand and wouldn’t let go (see photo 6).

On social media, Modi posted a short note: “Very happy to meet President Putin!” Just one line, paired with two photos—one of a handshake, the other of a deep, warm hug. No need to spell out who the intended audience was; you get the picture.

And that wasn’t all. Modi managed to set up an impromptu “China-Russia-India leaders’ huddle” right on the spot. The three stood face-to-face, chatting away, leaving their interpreters scrambling to keep up. Other heads of state couldn’t even find a way to join in.

What’s more, Modi practically “monopolized” Putin. The two kept talking non-stop, breezing right past Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz without a glance—completely ignoring him. Shehbaz’s face said it all at that moment, and you could imagine the psychological blow.

In multilateral settings, everyone’s chasing an impression. To succeed, you need a quick mind—and quick hands!