Watch: Vladimir Putin Boards Carpool with PM Modi at Delhi Airport After Arrival

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again shared a car journey on Thursday evening, moments after Modi welcomed him at Delhi's Palam airport.

The brief ride marked a return gesture from the Prime Minister, who had accepted a similar invitation from Putin during their meeting in Tianjin, China, three months earlier. Putin is in India for a two-day visit to attend the 23rd India Russia Annual Summit on December 5.

A Familiar Tradition of Shared Rides

The two leaders had previously travelled together in September 2025, when Modi joined Putin in the Russian President's official vehicle after the conclusion of events at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit venue in Tianjin. That moment had become symbolic of their easy rapport and long-standing partnership.

On Thursday, the roles were reversed as Modi escorted Putin to a Toyota Fortuner and the two leaders departed together for their destination. The Prime Minister is scheduled to host a private dinner for the visiting Russian President later in the evening.

Putin Reflects on the September Carpool

Ahead of his India trip, Putin spoke about the earlier shared ride in his Aurus Senat limousine. He said, "The car ride with PM Modi was my idea. It was a symbol of our friendship." He added, "We talked throughout the drive; there's always something to discuss. We even sat inside the car for quite some time afterward."

Modi also recalled the moment, posting a photograph on X with the caption, "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."

Diplomacy Amid Shifting Global Equations

The public display of camaraderie comes at a time when India's trade ties with the United States have experienced a period of strain. Former US President Donald Trump's decision to impose steep tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian crude oil during the Ukraine conflict created friction between the two democracies. India has maintained that its decisions reflect its strategic and economic interests.

Despite changing geopolitical landscapes, the relationship between Modi and Putin has shown remarkable continuity. Their association stretches back nearly three decades. Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, had travelled to Russia in 2001 as part of a delegation led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

A Bond Strengthened Over Time

The Delhi airport carpool offered yet another glimpse of the easy personal chemistry between the two leaders. As Putin begins his two-day engagement in India, the optics of this arrival have already reaffirmed the depth of their long-standing partnership.