Top Modi-Putin Meeting Highlights: From Golf Cart Ride To Tea Meet | Watch

In a gesture promoting India-Russia relationship, President Vladimir Putin personally drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a car on Monday.

A video that has gone viral on social media shows President Putin in the driver's seat with PM Modi beside him, both leaders visibly enjoying the ride.

President Putin Drives PM Modi

Putin gave PM Modi a tour of the residence, driving him around in an electric car. Most of their conversation occurred through interpreters, though they shared a brief tete-a-tete, likely in English, while walking in the garden.

Modi's Gratitude and Anticipation During Moscow Visit

On X, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President Putin for the warm welcome at Novo-Ogaryovo. "Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia," he posted.

• Warm Embrace Shared: The Russian Foreign Ministry posted a video on X showing a cordial embrace between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin.

• Informal Talks: During his two-day visit to Russia, PM Modi engaged in informal discussions with Putin at Novo-Ogaryovo, Putin's residence on the outskirts of Moscow.
• Tour of Putin's Residence: Putin toured PM Modi around his residence, saying, "Our official talks are tomorrow, while today in this comfortable, cosy setting we can probably discuss the same issues, but unofficially."
• Warm Greetings from Putin: President Putin expressed his happiness to see PM Modi, saying, "You are welcome here, friend. I'm really happy to see you." Modi also shared his gratitude on X.
• Electric Car Ride: Putin treated PM Modi to tea, berries, sweets, and a ride in his electric vehicle at Novo-Ogaryovo. The Russian Embassy in India released footage of their pleasant drive.
• Private Dinner: Putin hosted PM Modi for a private dinner, praising India's progress and Modi's successes as Prime Minister.
• Horse Show and Stable Tour: Putin showcased his stable and horses to PM Modi, following a horse show featuring performers in traditional Russian attire.
• State Visit: PM Modi is on a two-day state visit to Moscow, invited by Putin for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.
• Longstanding Relationship: Modi and Putin have met 16 times over the past decade, with their last meeting at the 2022 SCO Summit in Samarkand. Modi was awarded Russia's highest state honour, the 'Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First,' in 2019.

Pm Modi's Moscow Visit

PM Modi arrived in Moscow for a two-day visit, during which President Putin hosted a private dinner. Putin warmly received Modi at the venue, further strengthening the personal rapport between the two leaders. During the visit, President Putin expressed happiness in seeing his "dear friend" and congratulated Modi on his re-election as Prime Minister. "First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your re-election as Prime Minister. I think that this is no coincidence, this is the result of your work for many years as the head of the government," Putin said, as reported by Tass.

The two leaders are set to meet on Tuesday for official discussions covering all aspects of bilateral ties, including opportunities to boost cooperation in trade, energy, and defense. During an informal meeting at a residence outside Moscow, Putin praised Modi's energetic leadership and dedication to serving the interests of India and its people, as per Russian media outlet. "You have your own ideas. You are a very energetic person, able to achieve results in the interests of India and the Indian people. The result is obvious," Putin remarked.

Putin acknowledged India's significant economic standing, stating, "India firmly ranks as the world's third-largest economy," as reported by the state-run Tass news agency. He further commended Modi's lifelong dedication to serving his people, a sentiment echoed by Modi when he recalled the recent elections, stating, "The people of India gave me a chance to serve the Motherland."

"You have devoted your entire life to serving the Indian people, and they can feel it," Putin replied, to which Modi responded with a smile, "You are right, I have only one goal: It is the people and my country." After Russia, PM Modi will visit Austria, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over 40 years.