Tianjin, โChina – Russian President โVladimir putin warmly greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Dear friend” on the sidelinesโ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in โTianjin,โ China, Monday. The exchange underscores the continued close relationship betweenโ the two nations despite ongoing geopolitical โขtensions.
During the meeting, โModi took Putin‘s hand as they walked toward chinese President Xi Jinping, with all three leaders smiling and engaging in โconversation โคaccompanied by โtranslators.โฃ Modi later shared a photograph on X (formerly twitter) depicting himself โคandโ Putin inside the Russian leader’s Aurus armored limousine.
“Even in the most difficultโค situation, India andโ russiaโค always work together,” Modi stated. “Ourโ close cooperation is important not only for the people of the twoโ countries, but also for peace, โขstability, and global prosperity.”
Putin echoed theโ sentiment, stating in russian, “Dear Mr. Prime Minister,a kind friend.” โฃHe further emphasized the decades-long “special relations” between โRussia and India, built onโ “friendly, and mutual trust,” as a foundation for future development.
Theโข leaders also discussed the ongoingโฃ conflict in Ukraine,with โModi expressing his welcome for efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution as soon as possible,following a recent phone conversation with Ukrainian โขPresident Volodymyr โคZelenskiy.โฃ
Modi and Putin affirmedโ their commitment โto expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, fertilizer, space, security, and culture, recognizing their “special and privileged strategic partnership” as vital forโ regional and global stability.
Putin frequently utilizes the Aurus limousine for overseas travel and has previously gifted the vehicle to other leaders,including North korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2024.