​​Russia-India-China troika takes spotlight at SCO Summit — Top 10 moments in pictures​

The summit meeting of the Heads of State of the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) began in Tianjin, China, on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other leaders of the organization, began a day-long deliberation to chalk out the future course of the bloc.

This year's summit was stated to be the largest of the SCO group as China, which holds the presidency of the organization this year, has invited 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organizations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to attend the SCO Plus summit.

The 25th summit was formally kicked off here on Sunday night with a massive banquet hosted by Xi. It was attended, among others, by Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shared light moments ahead of the SCO Summit's plenary session. The leaders were seen holding discussions and having a conversation in a pull aside.

Russian President Putin and Prime Minister Modi greeted each other with a warm hug, after which they walked towards the stage for a family photo of the SCO members. The interaction between PM Modi and President Putin came ahead of their bilateral meeting, which is scheduled to take place after the plenary session.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the plenary session at SCO Summit and called for a united global fight against terrorism. PM Modi delivered his message on terrorism with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance.

President Putin and Prime Minister Modi traveled together to the location of their bilateral meeting following the events at the SCO Summit site. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi stated, "Talks with him are always insightful."

In his welcome banquet address, Xi said the SCO bears greater responsibilities in safeguarding regional peace and stability and boosting the development of various countries in a world of increasing uncertainties and accelerated changes. Addressing the banquet, Xi expressed confidence that with concerted efforts of all parties, the summit will be a complete success.

PM Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and reaffirmed that the two countries were development partners and not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes, and he called for a stable relationship and cooperation between India and China based on mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity, necessary for the growth and development of the two countries.

Founded in Shanghai in June 2001, the SCO has expanded from six founding members into a 26-nation family of 10 members, two observers, and 14 dialogue partners spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa. With major emerging markets and developing countries such as China, Russia, and India among its members, the SCO represents nearly half of the world's population and a quarter of the global economy.