In a landmark movement, US President Narendra Modi was seen riding with Russian President Vladimir Putin in his presidential limousine, Aurus Senat, a move which reflected the camaraderie shared by the duo. Their rapport set the tongues wagging in Russia, too, with many hailing the friendship shared by both leaders, especially in the wake of the Trump Tariff.
Putin and Modi rode in cars on September 1 as part of a bilateral meeting at the SCO summit in China.
However, now the head of the National Association of Bodyguards of Russia, Alexey Fonarev, has decoded the symbolism behind Modi’s move, calling it a demonstration of special trust. “Communication in a car is absolutely safe for its owner, and the guest, getting into the car, shows an act of special trust in his interlocutor,” the expert told Russian media reports aif.ru..
He added that it was an extremely rare step. “One state leader gets into another's car only on exceptional occasions, usually to discuss the most important issues,” Fonarev said. He noted that many world leaders today choose this format of personal communication, since it imposes obligations to fulfill promises made in person.
Analysts believe Putin's trip with Indian Prime Minister Modi was a message to the West. I”t looks like a response signal to Trump: You wanted to bend Modi, and he is an important ally for us," according to Russian analysts.
However, Modi isn’t the first leader to get into a vehicle with Putin. While Putin was seen sharing a vehicle with US President Donald Trump, he had also shared a vehicle with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. After sharing the vehicle with Modi, Putin also decided to give North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his sister a ride in his Aurus.
Meanwhile, Putin on Thursday revealed to reporters the conversation he had with Modi in Aurus for an hour. According to the Russian leader, he told the Indian prime minister details about the talks with US President Donald Trump in Alaska.