'A defining relationship': US as PM Modi flaunts bonhomie with Putin and Xi Jinping at SCO Summit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "The enduring friendship between our two peoples is the bedrock of our cooperation and propels us forward as we realize the tremendous potential of our economic relationship." 

The statement has been shared by US Embassy India on X saying, "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. Follow the hashtag and be a part of."

The statement comes as the India-US bilateral ties witnessed a deteriorations after the Trump administration imposed a massive 50 percent tariff on India.

Previously viewed as India-friendly, the Trump administration slapped a 25 percent tariff on the South Asian country for its high tariffs on American exports and another 25 percent for purchasing oil from Russia which is fighting a war against Ukraine.

In a strong optics of diplomacy, PM Modi on Monday took a car ride with Russia's President Vladimir Putin after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet in Tianjin.

The premiers of the two countries headed for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the meet.

The Prime Minister shared a clip with Putin on X and wrote, "After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful."

Pictures and videos of Modi's candid moments with Putin and China's Xi Jinping went viral on social media already.

The US argues the purchase of oil is fuelling money into the Russian economy amid Moscow's war with Ukraine.

Since the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2022, India significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian crude oil—now comprising over 30 percent of its total crude imports.

In response, the US proposed tariffs and trade measures targeting India’s exports to discourage this behavior.