Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin made a striking statement of camaraderie as they shared a ride in a ‘made in Russia’ Aurus sedan gifted to Putin by China. The two leaders were seen heading together to the Ritz-Carlton in Tianjin, where they are scheduled to hold their bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

Modi later posted on X about the unusual carpool, writing, “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.”

SHOW OF WARMTH

The unusual carpool followed a warm embrace earlier in the day, when Modi and Putin greeted each other at the summit venue. Cameras captured the hug, which quickly went viral on social media. Modi later amplified the moment on X, writing: “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”

TALKS UNDER TRADE TURBULENCE

Their meeting comes at a sensitive moment in global trade and geopolitics. Officials said the bilateral talks would focus on energy partnerships, defence cooperation and the broader global order.

The discussions gain added weight amid US President Donald Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs, as high as 50 per cent on Indian exports, citing New Delhi’s continued purchases of discounted Russian crude oil. The tariffs, part of Trump’s broader protectionist push, have unsettled markets and loomed large over the SCO proceedings.

MODI, PUTIN, XI TOGETHER

The day also produced rare images of PM Modi in animated conversation with both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Videos and photographs showed the three exchanging smiles, handshakes and light moments together. Modi posted photographs of the interactions, remarking: “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”

INDIA’S SCO PRIORITIES

In his plenary address, Modi outlined India’s approach to the grouping around three pillars — security, connectivity and opportunity. He renewed calls for collective action against terrorism, reminding leaders that India has suffered its impact for four decades, most recently in the Pahalgam attack. He cautioned against double standards on extremism and stressed the need for a unified stand through mechanisms such as SCO-RATS.

The prime minister also delivered a pointed message on connectivity, saying projects that ignore sovereignty “lose trust and meaning”. Though unnamed, the remark was widely seen as a rejection of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Modi instead highlighted India-led projects such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, aimed at linking South Asia with Central Asia while respecting territorial integrity.

MEETING XI AFTER SEVEN YEARS

On the sidelines, Modi held his first bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping in seven years. He pitched for cooperation between India and China in combating terrorism, noting that both countries have been victims of extremist violence, while reiterating New Delhi’s concerns over cross-border terror. The meeting came against the backdrop of strained ties since the Galwan clashes of 2020, making Modi’s visit to China, his first since the crisis, particularly significant.

– Ends

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At the SCO summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin were seen arriving together and engaging in a friendly exchange that drew attention. Video and photos captured the leaders shaking hands and sharing light conversation, highlighting a rare moment of camaraderie among the group’s heavyweights, while PM Modi and Putin were later spotted exchanging a warm hug.