"After the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit activities, president Putin and I traveled together to the bilateral meeting venue. My discussions with him are always insightful," Indian prime minister Narendra Modi posted on X on 1/9.

Modi included a photo of himself with Russian president Vladimir Putin inside Putin's Aurus Senat limousine. This armored vehicle has been Putin's primary mode of transport since 2018, when he began his fourth presidential term.

Modi and Putin inside the Russian president's car in China on 1/9. Photo: X/narendramodi

Modi and Putin inside the Russian president's car in China on 1/9. Photo: X/narendramodi

The two leaders talked in Putin's car for about 45 minutes. "They felt at home and very comfortable, so they continued their conversation," Putin's spokesperson said.

The Aurus Senat was developed by the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute (NAMI) and is produced by the Russian luxury car brand Aurus Motors. The car was designed specifically for Putin, making him the first Russian leader to use a domestically developed and manufactured car.

The Aurus Senat's interior features polished wood and white or tan leather, along with a modern infotainment system. The rear compartment has reclining seats and a separate entertainment screen. The interior and exterior design draws inspiration from luxury car manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, and Chrysler.

Passengers can also view live surroundings through an advanced real-time camera system. The car also has a champagne refrigerator and curtains.

Earlier, Modi and Putin shook hands as they entered the SCO summit in Tianjin. Chinese president Xi Jinping welcomed them, and the three leaders stood together, smiling for the cameras. This display of camaraderie comes amid increasing US trade pressure.

US president Donald Trump imposed a 50% import tariff on goods from India to penalize the country for buying oil and weapons from Russia, despite India being a US strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific and, until recently, Washington's largest trading partner.

President Putin and prime minister Modi shake hands at the SCO summit in Tianjin, China on 1/9. Photo: AP

President Putin and prime minister Modi shake hands at the SCO summit in Tianjin, China on 1/9. Photo: AP

However, New Delhi has shown no intention of stopping purchases from Moscow. The friendly interaction between the Indian and Russian leaders at the SCO summit in China appears to be a message directed at president Trump.

Putin himself is also facing pressure from Trump regarding the conflict in Ukraine. On 22/8, the US president announced he would give his Russian counterpart about two weeks to agree to talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky before Washington takes action.

The Kremlin says Putin hasn't ruled out the possibility, but believes the meeting needs thorough preparation to "complete the work that needs to be done at the expert level first."

Pham Giang (According to BBC, Reuters, NDTV)