Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled in the same car with Russian President Vladimir Putin after receiving him at Palam Airport in Delhi on Thursday evening. The moment quickly stood out. It mirrored a similar gesture made three months ago in China, when Modi rode with Putin in his official vehicle after the SCO summit in Tianjin.

This time, Modi returned the favour. He accompanied Putin in a Toyota Fortuner as they drove away from the airport. Later in the evening, Modi was scheduled to host a special dinner for the Russian leader.

Putin begins two-day state visit

Putin arrived in India for a two-day state visit connected to the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, which is set to take place on December 5 in Delhi. The visit marks another key moment in the long-standing relationship between the two countries.

Putin recalls the Tianjin moment

Before leaving Moscow, Putin spoke about their previous car ride in an interview with India Today. He said, "The car ride with PM Modi was my idea. It was a symbol of our friendship."

He added that they continued talking even after the drive had ended. "We talked throughout the drive; there’s always something to discuss. We even sat inside the car for quite some time afterward," he said.

Modi shares his thoughts

Modi had also posted a photo from the Tianjin meeting on X earlier. Along with it, he wrote, “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."

Ties deepen despite global tension

This warm interaction came at a time when India’s trade relations with the United States have faced strain. Donald Trump had criticised India over its continued purchases of Russian oil during the Ukraine war. Still, India defended its decision and stressed that it would act according to its national interest.

A bond built over decades

The personal relationship between Modi and Putin goes back nearly three decades. Modi first visited Russia in 2001 as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He travelled with then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, laying the foundation for a connection that has continued to grow over the years.