Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has claimed that a recent photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin together caused anger in Western capitals.
Speaking in Moscow, Lavrov said the photo, taken at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, reflected a changing global balance of power.
“The fact that such a photo appeared — Modi, Xi, Putin together — caused quite an incomprehensible anger and indignation among some Western leaders who have called this photo a challenge to a world.”
Prime Minister Modi posts a photo on his X account that shows Chairman Xi towering over him and Putin. Striking image. pic.twitter.com/DFEPOLvQAM
— Isaac Stone Fish (@isaacstonefish) September 2, 2025
Symbol of a Multipolar World
Lavrov argued that the image symbolized the rise of a multipolar world where nations act on their own interests rather than following Western influence.
“This is not about alliances or military pacts,” he said. “It is about sovereign states making choices in line with their national priorities. That is something the West has trouble accepting.”
He emphasized that cooperation among Moscow, Beijing, and New Delhi is not about forming a bloc, but rather about mutual benefits.
India’s Role Amid Western Pressure
Lavrov’s remarks come as India faces pressure from the US, including tariffs and penalties, over its continued purchase of Russian oil. Despite this, India has kept close trade relations with Moscow, even as Western countries try to isolate Russia following the war in Ukraine.
The Kremlin has increasingly turned to China and India to balance its global ties under heavy sanctions.
Global South Rejecting Western Pressure
Lavrov also highlighted the role of the Global South, saying many nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are moving away from Western dominance.
“The West still thinks in terms of obedience,” he said. “But we see nations that are guided by their own interests, not by orders from Washington or Brussels.”
According to Lavrov, these countries are more focused on trade, investment, and sovereignty than on taking sides in conflicts like Ukraine.
