Modi-Putin’s ‘fortress-on-wheels’ ride steals spotlight ahead of BRICS Summit

After holding bilateral talks in New Delhi, Modi and Putin travelled together in Putin’s heavily armoured Aurus Senat limousine to the INNOPROM exhibition at Bharat Mandapam on Friday, a day ahead of the 11-member BRICS summit.

The Russian-made luxury limousine, often described as a “fortress-on-wheels”, has previously featured in high-profile journeys involving the two leaders.

Fourth time Modi, Putin travel together

Friday’s journey marked the fourth occasion on which Modi and Putin have travelled together in the Russian president’s limousine.

The Aurus Senat had earlier grabbed attention when Modi rode with Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China last year.

The two leaders have also shared the vehicle on two other occasions.

The sight of the Indian and Russian leaders travelling together once again added a striking visual element to their close diplomatic ties.

Talks focus on trade, defence, energy

The car ride followed wide-ranging bilateral discussions between Modi and Putin on the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders reviewed cooperation in key areas including trade, energy, defence, space and people-to-people ties.

They also discussed regional and global developments, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.

Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward for resolving conflicts and said India was ready to contribute to peace efforts.

Modi gifts Putin Russian translation of Thirukkural

During the meeting, Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil text attributed to poet and saint Thiruvalluvar.

“Two thousand years ago, Thiruvalluvar wrote the Thirukkural. It includes the entire gamut of human life,” Modi told Putin, according to the account shared by the Prime Minister.

He said the Russian translation would help strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Later, in a post on X, Modi said he had presented Putin with the Russian translation of the Thirukkural, describing it as a work that carries Thiruvalluvar’s wisdom “across languages and borders.”

Putin in India for BRICS Summit

Putin’s visit comes ahead of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, where leaders of the 11-member grouping are scheduled to gather.

The Russian president last visited India in December 2025. Modi and Putin, however, met earlier this month on the sidelines of an SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan.

The latest meeting comes as India and Russia continue to maintain close strategic ties, with Moscow remaining one of New Delhi’s key defence and strategic partners.