PM Modi, Putin Share Car Ride in Russia’s Aurus Sedan Ahead of SCO Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin made a strong statement of friendship at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit by sharing a ride in a ‘Made in Russia’ Aurus luxury sedan ahead of their bilateral meeting in Tianjin. The carpool, seen as a significant diplomatic gesture, highlighted the depth of India-Russia ties amid growing global trade challenges.

After the ride, PM Modi posted on X, describing his interaction with Putin as insightful and wrote, “After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful.”

Earlier in the day, the two leaders exchanged a warm embrace at the summit venue, a moment that quickly went viral on social media. Modi later shared the photo with the caption, “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”

The bilateral discussions between India and Russia come at a time of heightened trade tensions, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports. Washington cited India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil as a key reason for these tariffs, which have created uncertainty in global markets and influenced the SCO agenda.

Rare visuals also emerged of Prime Minister Modi in conversation with both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, reflecting diplomatic engagement among major powers. Modi posted photos of the interaction, writing, “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”

During his address at the SCO plenary session, Modi outlined India’s approach under three core pillars: security, connectivity, and opportunity. He reiterated India’s call for collective action against terrorism, cautioning against double standards and urging cooperation through the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).

On connectivity, Modi stated that projects that disregard sovereignty “lose trust and meaning,” in what appeared to be a clear reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Instead, he highlighted India’s initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor as models of transparent and inclusive connectivity.

Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping, their first in seven years, to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation and convey India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism. The meeting is significant as it comes against the backdrop of strained ties following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, making Modi’s visit to China an important diplomatic step.