Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Modi, Putin and Xi Hand-Holding Moment Highlights BRICS Unity
Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping met at a BRICS meeting in New Delhi.
They were photographed holding hands and laughing together.
Modi shared the picture online.
The image quickly became popular and was called a political “bromance.”
The leaders wanted to show friendship and cooperation in public.
Their meeting happened while countries were facing difficult geopolitical tensions.
Modi said developing countries should have more say in important world decisions.
He compared the current system to a pyramid where some countries have more privilege.
He said it should become a partnership platform where every country has a voice and a stake.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen holding hands and laughing at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
The moment occurred at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and was shared by Modi on Instagram with “Kingdom BGM” as background music.
The photograph went viral and was described as a display of unity, partnership and political “bonhomie” amid geopolitical tensions.
Reports differ on the earlier similar gathering, identifying it as either the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek earlier this month or last year’s summit in Tianjin.
Modi said the Global South should have a stronger role in global decision-making and development.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- What
- The three leaders were photographed holding hands and laughing during the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
- When
- On Saturday during the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit; reports also refer to an earlier similar gathering.
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India; reports variously identify the earlier gathering as being in Bishkek or Tianjin.
- Why
- The public display conveyed unity and partnership amid geopolitical tensions, while Modi called for greater representation for the Global South in global decision-making.
- Event
- 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit
- Location
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Leaders
- Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping
- Viral moment
- The leaders were seen holding hands and laughing
- Social media post
- The photograph was posted by Modi on Instagram with “Kingdom BGM” as background music
- Earlier gathering
- The reports disagree, citing either an SCO summit in Bishkek earlier this month or last year’s summit in Tianjin
- Modi’s message
- The Global South should move from a “pyramid of privilege” to a “platform of partnership”
