In a powerful display of enduring friendship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a car ride upon the latter's arrival in New Delhi on Thursday evening. This symbolic gesture marked the beginning of President Putin's two-day State visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
A Warm Welcome and a Symbolic Journey
Reflecting the high priority India places on the relationship, Prime Minister Modi personally received President Putin at New Delhi's Palam Technical Area. The Prime Minister greeted his counterpart with a warm hug, extending a hearty welcome after a gap of four years. Departing from protocol, PM Modi did not use his usual Range Rover. Instead, he accompanied President Putin in a Toyota Fortuner (registered MH01EN5795) for the drive from the airport to the Prime Minister's residence.
This was not the first such journey for the two leaders. Nearly three months earlier, in September 2025, they had travelled together in President Putin's Aurus Senat limousine after the SCO summit in Tianjin, China. In a recent interview with India Today before departing Moscow, President Putin revealed that the earlier car ride was his idea, calling it "a symbol of our friendship." He added that they conversed throughout the drive and even continued their discussion inside the parked vehicle afterward.
Context of the Strategic Visit
President Putin's visit comes at a critical juncture in global politics. It highlights Russia's efforts to sustain its international influence despite facing isolation from Western nations following its actions in Ukraine. For India, the summit represents a delicate balancing act, as it seeks to fortify its longstanding strategic partnership with Moscow while carefully managing its concurrently growing relationships with the United States and other Western powers.
The timing of this overt camaraderie is notable. It occurs amidst strains in India-US relations, partly due to former President Donald Trump's imposition of high tariffs on Indian purchases of Russian crude oil. The bonhomie between Modi and Putin, however, spans almost three decades, with PM Modi having visited Russia as Gujarat's Chief Minister alongside then-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2001.
Agenda and Implications
The leaders are set to hold comprehensive talks on December 5. Key issues on the agenda are expected to include:
- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its global ramifications.
- The evolving situation in Afghanistan and regional security.
- Expanding the India-Russia Strategic Partnership across defence, energy, trade, and space.
The ceremonial welcome extended to President Putin and the personal touches by PM Modi underscore the depth of the bilateral relationship. The carpooling tradition, initiated by Putin and warmly reciprocated by Modi, serves as a potent visual metaphor for the journey the two nations are undertaking together, navigating a complex and rapidly changing world order.
