PM Modi–Putin Carpool in Aurus Sedan Steals Spotlight at SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin made headlines at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin by sharing a ride in a Made in Russia Aurus sedan, a car gifted to Putin by China. Cameras captured the two leaders arriving together at the Ritz-Carlton hotel for their scheduled bilateral talks, showcasing a strong personal rapport.

From Warm Hug to Carpool Diplomacy

Earlier in the day, Modi and Putin exchanged a warm hug, an image that went viral across social media platforms. Modi later amplified the moment on X (formerly Twitter), posting:

"Always a delight to meet President Putin!"

After the official SCO proceedings, the two leaders shared their unusual carpool. Modi wrote on X:

"Conversations with him are always insightful."

Strategic Talks Amid Trump's Tariff Shock

The bilateral discussions between India and Russia carried extra weight as US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports, citing New Delhi's discounted oil imports from Moscow. Officials said Modi and Putin focused on:

Energy partnerships

Defence cooperation

Global trade order

The tariffs, part of Trump's broader protectionist push, unsettled global markets and loomed over the summit.

Modi, Putin, Xi in Rare Three-Way Interaction

Another highlight of the day was rare footage of Modi engaging in light moments with both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Smiles, handshakes, and animated conversations between the three leaders dominated global media coverage. Modi later shared photos, writing:

"Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit."

India's SCO Priorities: Security, Connectivity, Opportunity

In his plenary address, PM Modi outlined India's SCO vision around three pillars:

Security: Collective action against terrorism, citing recent attacks in Pahalgam.

Connectivity: Rejecting sovereignty-violating projects like China's BRI, while highlighting India's Chabahar Port and North-South Transport Corridor.

Opportunity: Pushing for fair cooperation respecting sovereignty and equality.

Modi Meets Xi After Seven Years

On the sidelines, Modi held his first bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping in seven years. Discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, with Modi reiterating India's concerns over cross-border terror.

The meeting carried added significance as ties have remained strained since the Galwan clashes of 2020. Modi's presence in China, his first since the border crisis, underscored India's cautious yet forward-looking approach to its complex relationship with Beijing.