A photograph from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has triggered intense reactions in the United States, sparking discussions about a potential shift in the global power balance. The image, showing the three leaders smiling and engaging in warm interactions, is seen by some as a symbol of a rising Asia-led geopolitical realignment and a challenge to the Western-led world order.

US media outlets have focused on the perceived closeness between Modi, Xi, and Putin, interpreting their presence together as a carefully calculated signal amid growing tensions between the US and other nations. Some observers have pointed to the summit as evidence of an emerging "new world order," with the SCO evolving from a regional forum into a significant geopolitical bloc.

Political commentator Van Jones, speaking on CNN, expressed strong concern about the photograph, stating that it "should send a chill down the spine of every American". He argued that the image, which also included the leaders of Iran and North Korea, represents a pivotal moment in global relations and signifies that "the West is now in a box". Jones warned that the US is "on the bad end of the triangle" as global powers realign themselves, particularly those who have faced US tariffs and foreign policy pressures.

The New York Times interpreted the display as a deliberate message, highlighting the strengthening alliance between Xi and Putin as a challenge to the Western-led world order. The paper also noted that India's participation underscored New Delhi's intention to diversify its diplomatic relationships, especially amid increasing tensions with Washington over trade.

Other media outlets echoed similar sentiments, with The Washington Post and CNN describing the summit as a showcase of a rising alternative to Western leadership. Fox News observed that while Modi avoided direct criticism of the US, his overt warmth toward Washington's rivals amounted to "a clear rebuke" amid India's tariff tensions with the US.

The SCO summit took place against a backdrop of escalating trade frictions between the US and several nations, including India. Just a week before the summit, the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, further straining relations. Xi Jinping also criticized "bullying behavior" by certain countries, a remark widely seen as a veiled critique of US policies.

President Trump responded to the summit with a social media post, warning that India had "much more to lose" in an economic standoff with the US. Some observers interpreted this as a sign that Trump recognized the message being sent by the meeting between Modi, Xi, and Putin.

Despite the show of unity at the SCO summit, some analysts have noted underlying tensions and structural issues within the organization. India, for example, has not endorsed China's Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting ongoing differences. Nevertheless, the summit has been widely viewed as a significant event with the potential to reshape global power dynamics.

The American media's reaction to the SCO summit photograph reflects a broader anxiety within the US regarding the rise of non-Western powers and the perceived decline of American dominance. The image of Modi, Xi, and Putin together has served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the US in a rapidly changing world.