Russian President Vladimir Putin has, for the first time, shared details of his candid conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their drive in Tianjin after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Putin revealed that part of their one-on-one dialogue centered around his recent Alaska Summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
After attending the SCO proceedings, Modi and Putin traveled together in the Russian leader’s limousine to the location of their bilateral talks. The journey itself was just 15 minutes, but instead of stepping out upon arrival, the two leaders remained inside the vehicle for nearly an hour, continuing their exchange. Russian radio network VestiFM reported that their uninterrupted conversation stretched for about 50 minutes before they were finally joined by their delegations.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi described his discussions with Putin as “insightful,” highlighting the depth of engagement between the two leaders. The bilateral meeting later reinforced this, with both sides reaffirming the importance of the India-Russia partnership. Modi emphasized that the relationship had endured through the most difficult times, adding that close cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow is essential not just for their people but also for global peace and stability.
The backdrop to these talks was significant. India has been under pressure from Washington for continuing to purchase Russian oil. President Trump’s administration imposed a 25% tariff and an additional 25% penalty on such imports, creating new challenges for New Delhi’s trade policies.
Putin also disclosed that his Alaska meeting with Trump last month produced “understandings” regarding the Ukraine conflict. While no ceasefire deal was reached, the dialogue was considered an important step toward reducing tensions. Both leaders explored possible pathways for ending the war, underscoring the relevance of U.S.-Russia engagement at a time when global geopolitics remained volatile.
The unusual intimacy of the Modi-Putin car conversation added a personal dimension to their diplomatic engagement. More than just a symbolic gesture of friendship, it highlighted how both leaders continue to use every opportunity to align positions on pressing international issues while keeping the longstanding India-Russia relationship steady amid global shifts.
