Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin showcased a rare display of camaraderie on Monday as they shared the same car en route to their bilateral meeting after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.

Their talks are expected to focus on strengthening India-Russia relations and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Sharing the moment on X, PM Modi posted: “After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful.”

Earlier, candid images of PM Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin surfaced, echoing a friendly moment reminiscent of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. One photo showed the trio smiling and walking together ahead of the SCO family photo.

Modi also shared pictures of his handshake and warm hug with Putin, writing: “Always a delight to meet President Putin!” In another striking moment, Modi and Putin were seen walking past Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who appeared sidelined as the two leaders engaged in animated conversation.

The visuals highlighted Modi’s central presence at the SCO Summit, reinforcing India’s strong diplomatic outreach with Russia and China.