The leaders of Russia, China and India met at a key regional summit in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin on Monday as they navigate tensions with the United States.

The leaders of Russia, China and India met at a key regional summit in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin on Monday as they navigate tensions with the United States.

Amid this thicket of tensions, the cozy optics at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering appeared a clear signal in the face of U.S. pressure.

Weeks after Trump and Putin made headlines with a protocol-busting ride in “The Beast” at their Alaska summit, Modi joined the Russian leader for a drive in the back of Putin’s own armored limo — a not-so-subtle statement of defiance just days after the U.S. doubled tariffs on India to 50% as punishment for buying Russian oil.