Tianjin: Awkward moment at summit
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif found himself in an uncomfortable spotlight at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Monday, as viral videos showed him standing aside while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin walked past in conversation. The incident, which quickly drew attention online, highlighted both diplomatic optics and the ongoing strain in India–Pakistan relations.
Viral videos stir reactions
In one widely circulated clip, Modi and Putin are seen warmly engaging, smiling and embracing, while Sharif is left watching silently. Another video showed him attempting to extend a handshake towards Putin, but the Russian leader appeared preoccupied with Modi. Sharif was also seen standing alone during the customary family photo, further fuelling perceptions of diplomatic isolation.
Social media reactions were quick and often mocking. Memes compared the Pakistani leader’s situation to being “ignored like elaichi in biryani,” while others evoked the Hindi phrase “Begani shaadi mein Abdullah deewana,” suggesting that Sharif seemed out of place at the gathering. Some users described his attempts to greet Putin as “pathetic attention-seeking behaviour.”
India’s firm messaging
The awkward optics were compounded by Modi’s stern address at the plenary session, where he reiterated that no double standards on terrorism are acceptable. With Sharif present in the hall, the statement was interpreted as a pointed reminder of India’s concerns over cross-border militancy.
This moment underscored New Delhi’s broader approach of engaging with major powers like Russia and China while keeping distance from Pakistan on multilateral platforms. Modi and Putin’s visible camaraderie contrasted sharply with the coldness shown towards Sharif.
Regional dynamics at play
The incident also reflects evolving equations within the SCO. While India and Russia showcased a degree of warmth, China too appeared aligned with their display of unity. Pakistan, on the other hand, faced a subdued reception, adding to perceptions of its diplomatic marginalisation within the forum.
Observers noted that these gestures, though subtle, carry symbolic weight in international politics. For Pakistan, being visibly sidelined at a multilateral platform where it seeks to project relevance could prove diplomatically damaging.
Conclusion
Sharif’s awkward moments at the SCO summit have not only gone viral but also reinforced the growing distance between India and Pakistan on the world stage. The episode illustrates how body language and informal interactions at such gatherings often speak louder than official statements.