Smiles and clasped hands as Xi, Putin and Modi try to signal unity

TIANJIN, China — It was a scene in eastern China almost certainly intended for an audience on the other side of the world: The leaders of China, Russia and India, the three largest powers not aligned with the West, smiling and laughing like good friends as they greeted each other at a summit Monday.

It starts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Vladimir Putin of Russia holding hands and walking into a meeting hall filled with other world leaders. They head straight for President Xi Jinping of China, shake hands and form a close circle. A few words are exchanged before translators join the huddle. Putin cracks a broad smile, and Modi lets out a big laugh. At one point, Modi joins hands with the two leaders.

The tableau carried multiple messages, analysts said. The bon