India, Sept. 1 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin turned into a masterclass in diplomatic balancing, as he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping - all while receiving a subtle message of strategic interest from the United States. There were smiles, shaking of hands as Modi, Xi and Putin signalled unity in a display of friendship in China aimed at projecting an alternative to US global leadership despite serious differences among them. The three leaders said the right words, what they wanted to convey to people back home and the world in general.

The PM's China visit saw India reaffirming enduring ties with Moscow, sending a clear...