Ahead of the SCO Summit, Indian PM and Russian President Travel in the Same Car in Kyrgyzstan, Modi-Putin Bonding Again Draws Global Diplomatic Attention
— Global Journal | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | August 31, 2026
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin once again travelled together in the same car on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Following their bilateral meeting, the two leaders travelled together to the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena.
Prime Minister Modi shared a photograph from inside the car with President Putin on social media. The ride has once again brought the much-discussed idea of “car diplomacy” into the spotlight, highlighting the cordial relationship and personal rapport between the two leaders.
This was not the first time Modi and Putin have travelled together in the same car. The two leaders did so during the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, and Putin also travelled with Modi in India during his visit in December 2025.
Modi-Putin Talks Focus on Bilateral Ties and Ukraine
Before heading to the World Nomad Games, Modi and Putin held high-level bilateral talks on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. The discussions covered the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership as well as major regional and international developments.
Modi said the two sides reviewed cooperation in key areas including energy, innovation, space, fertilisers and people-to-people ties. He also reiterated India's support for efforts to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying that every day of war sets humanity back.
Putin Invited to BRICS Summit in New Delhi
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi formally invited President Putin to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September.
Modi said India looks forward to welcoming Putin to New Delhi and expressed confidence that his visit would further strengthen India-Russia relations.
Putin, in response, thanked Modi for his personal attention to the Russia-India relationship and acknowledged the importance of the Indian prime minister’s engagement in maintaining momentum in bilateral ties. The two leaders were also seen shaking hands and embracing during their meeting.
Another Example of Modi’s ‘Car Diplomacy’
Modi’s latest car ride with Putin follows another similar episode during his Central Asian tour. In Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally welcomed Modi in Tashkent, and the two leaders travelled together by car from the airport to the presidential residence.
The repeated informal journeys have attracted attention because such moments outside formal meetings can project a sense of personal trust and warmth between national leaders.
Why ‘Car Diplomacy’ Matters
While travelling in the same vehicle is largely symbolic, repeated informal interactions between Modi and Putin have become a visible feature of their diplomatic relationship. The scenes in Tianjin, India and now Bishkek have drawn international attention to the continuing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.
The latest journey therefore comes not merely as a ceremonial moment but amid significant discussions on bilateral cooperation, the Ukraine conflict and preparations for the upcoming BRICS Summit.
— Global Journal | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | August 31, 2026
Sources: Hindustan Times, ANI, India Today and other international reports
