At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China, the camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin was distinctly visible, sending out a clear diplomatic message about the depth and comfort level in the India-Russia relationship.

One of the most notable moments came when President Putin, extending an unusual but symbolic gesture, insisted on travelling with Prime Minister Modi from the SCO conference venue to the hotel that was designated for their bilateral meeting.

According to sources, Putin displayed a rare warmth by waiting for nearly ten minutes for the Indian Prime Minister so that the two leaders could undertake the journey together in his official Aurus Senat limousine.

This decision underscored Putin’s personal desire to spend additional time with Modi in an informal and candid setting before moving into structured diplomatic discussions.

The car ride, initially intended merely as a short trip between venues, turned into an extended and meaningful interaction. Both leaders not only travelled together but continued their discussions for an additional 45 minutes inside the car even after reaching the bilateral meeting site.

This unscheduled extension suggested the atmosphere of trust and openness between them, allowing for conversations that went beyond formal protocols.

The ride symbolised more than just a logistical detour; it was a strategic and personal moment where two leaders, steering major powers in Eurasia and South Asia, engaged in candid dialogue on pressing issues of global and regional importance.

Prime Minister Modi himself acknowledged the significance of this exchange through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that after the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, he and President Putin travelled together to their bilateral engagement, and that interactions with Putin are “always insightful.” The public acknowledgment reflected the importance Modi attached to this gesture of personal warmth and the value of sustained discussions outside formal meeting rooms.

Following the extended private car interaction, the two leaders held their formal bilateral dialogue, which lasted over an hour. Modi later described the meeting as “excellent,” underlining the breadth and depth of topics covered.

The bilateral talks were expansive, touching upon various pillars of the India-Russia partnership. These included discussions on trade, fertilisers, energy security, financial cooperation, cultural exchanges, defence and security collaboration, and space cooperation.

The emphasis on fertilisers and energy was particularly significant in the backdrop of global supply chain disruptions and volatile energy markets, reflecting India’s priority to secure stable and affordable supplies for its vast and growing economy.

Regional and global developments also figured prominently in the discussions, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine being a central focus. Prime Minister Modi reiterated his position, consistent with India’s stance since the beginning of the crisis, that dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain the only viable pathways to a peaceful settlement.

He expressed support for new initiatives aimed at bringing a cessation of hostilities and emphasised the need for a durable peace settlement that respects sovereignty and ensures stability. By reiterating India’s call for peace, Modi once again highlighted New Delhi’s strategic role of balancing partnerships with major powers while advocating diplomacy and de-escalation.

From Moscow’s perspective, the interactions reaffirmed the continuing relevance of its “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” with India at a time when Russia faces increasing international isolation due to the Ukraine conflict.

For India, the demonstration of warmth between the two leaders at the SCO – ranging from the shared car ride to the extended bilateral meetings – reinforced its position as a mature partner capable of managing complex diplomatic equations while focusing on advancing national interests.

The shared ride in the Aurus Senat limousine was more than a symbolic gesture of friendship; it was a carefully calculated diplomatic moment that reflected the strong personal rapport between Modi and Putin, allowed for extended candid conversations beyond the boundaries of protocol, and set the stage for substantive discussions on bilateral cooperation and global geopolitics.

The episode not only humanised the political relationship but also showcased India and Russia’s commitment to nurturing their long-standing partnership amidst evolving global challenges.

Based On ANI Report