New Delhi: In a moment that has set social media ablaze, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s zealous sprint to shake hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin has become the talk of the town.
The viral video, capturing Sharif weaving through world leaders to extend his hand, has sparked both ridicule and intrigue, highlighting Pakistan’s fervent pursuit of closer ties with Russia amid a high-stakes diplomatic gathering.
A Handshake That Stole The Show
The incident unfolded after the SCO Summit’s group photography session, attended by heavyweights like India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China’s President Xi Jinping. As Putin walked alongside Xi, nodding to leaders in acknowledgment, Sharif, positioned in the back row, suddenly surged forward. With a beaming smile, he extended his hand toward Putin, who had nearly passed by. The Russian leader paused briefly to reciprocate, but the fleeting exchange, caught on camera, exploded online, drawing millions of views and a barrage of memes.
Social media users were quick to pounce, with one post quipping, “While others stood composed, Sharif ran like a kid for Putin’s handshake — pathetic attention-seeking!” Another user mocked, “Xi Jinping saw it coming and looked away, knowing Sharif was after dollars.” The clip’s viral spread has amplified scrutiny of Sharif’s diplomatic conduct, with some calling it a desperate bid for attention on a global stage.
While other leaders showed composure, Pakistan PM Shehabaz Sharif came running to Putin to shake his hand…. pathetic attention seeking behaviour.
Xi Jinping realised what Shehbaz was going to do, so he looked the other way and ignored him 😭 pic.twitter.com/NAEeDw2oyY
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) August 31, 2025
Pakistan’s Quest For Russian Ties
The handshake moment underscores Pakistan’s growing eagerness to forge stronger relations with Russia, a pursuit that began under former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Notably, Khan’s visit to Moscow on February 21, 2022, coincided with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a timing that raised eyebrows globally. Since then, Sharif has continued the outreach, meeting Putin on multiple occasions and extending invitations to visit Pakistan. At the 2024 SCO Summit in Astana, Sharif proposed expanding barter trade, recalling Pakistan’s historical exchanges of textiles and leather for Russian machinery in the 1950s to 1970s.
Pakistan’s push comes amid strained Indo-US relations, particularly after Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, citing Russian oil imports. Sharif’s enthusiastic overture to Putin in Tianjin signals Islamabad’s intent to diversify alliances, even as it navigates economic challenges and regional tensions.
A Summit Of Contrasts
The SCO Summit, hosted by China, saw over 20 leaders discuss security, trade and geopolitics. While Modi and Putin shared a symbolic car ride, reinforcing India-Russia ties, and Xi engaged warmly with both, Sharif’s moment stood out for its awkwardness. Reports suggest Xi deliberately avoided eye contact as Sharif approached, adding to the online trolling. The contrast was stark: while Modi’s interactions projected confidence, Sharif’s dash was labelled “embarrassing” by netizens, with one post joking, “Pakistan’s PM tried to outdo Modi but ended up chasing cameras.”
A Viral Moment With Diplomatic Weight
Sharif’s fleeting handshake attempt is more than social media fodder — it reflects Pakistan’s delicate balancing act in a multipolar world. As Islamabad seeks Russia’s support to counter Western pressures, the viral video has sparked debates about diplomatic decorum and strategic intent. Whether a misstep or a calculated move, Sharif’s sprint has ensured one thing: all eyes are on Pakistan’s next play at the SCO.