PM Modi, Russia's Putin repeat 'carpool diplomacy' at 2026 SCO after Tianjin ride

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrated their strong diplomatic ties by sharing a vehicle ride to the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena. The moment of carpool diplomacy took place following a bilateral meeting between the two world leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.

During their high-level talks, the leaders addressed key international issues and bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of global peace, telling the Russian President that nations must move away from endless war towards an end to the war. President Putin acknowledged the Indian leader's efforts, expressing gratitude for Modi's personal attention to maintaining momentum in India-Russia relations.

Looking forward to future diplomatic events, Prime Minister Modi extended a formal invitation to President Putin to visit New Delhi for the upcoming BRICS Summit in September. Modi stated that the visit would further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Russia. In response, President Putin thanked the Prime Minister for India's consistent diplomatic engagement and personal commitment to bilateral cooperation.

The joint journey in Bishkek continues an established pattern of informal car diplomacy between Modi and Putin. The two leaders previously traveled together in the same car during the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, and repeated the gesture during President Putin's official visit to India in December.

Prime Minister Modi also engaged in similar car diplomacy during his visit to Uzbekistan prior to the summit. Upon arriving in Tashkent, Modi was received by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev with a grand welcome that included the playing of Uzbekistan's state anthem. President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Modi then traveled together by car from the airport to the presidential palace for an official dinner meeting.

Following his arrival in Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi shared images of the meeting on the social media platform X, expressing gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for the warm welcome and describing the joint ride as a special gesture.

This informal approach to high-level meetings has become a signature feature of Prime Minister Modi's regional foreign policy, allowing leaders extra time for informal dialogue before formal summits and strategic talks.

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