'Conversations with him are always insightful': PM Modi and Putin travel in same car after SCO Summit in Tianjin for bilateral talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled together in the same car on Monday after the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. They were on their way to a bilateral meeting following the main proceedings of the regional gathering.

On X, Modi shared an image of the two leaders and wrote, “After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting.” He added, “Conversations with him are always insightful.”



Earlier that day, Modi was seen with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. The three leaders exchanged handshakes, hugs and smiles, in what observers described as an unusual display of camaraderie. Sharing photographs of the encounter, Modi wrote on X, “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.”


The car ride was more than a simple gesture. It came at a time when India’s trade relations with the United States are under pressure. Washington has raised tariffs following New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude, a move that has led to heightened tensions. Against this backdrop, the visual of Modi and Putin together carried weight, signalling the strength of their personal rapport despite wider geopolitical friction.

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The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where the meeting took place, brings together major powers across Asia to discuss regional security and economic cooperation. For India, these gatherings are an opportunity to engage not only with Russia, a long-standing partner, but also with China, with whom relations have been strained in recent years. The moments shared in Tianjin served as reminders of both the opportunities and the challenges in navigating these complex relationships.

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