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In a carefully choreographed display of personal chemistry on August 21, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled together in the same car to the INNOPROM Exhibition in New Delhi, marking the latest chapter in their informal “car diplomacy” — or “carplomacy” as Indian observers have dubbed it. The ride came immediately after their bilateral talks at Bharat Mandapam and just weeks before India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12–13.
The motorcade moment immediately trended on social media, with footage showing the two leaders chatting inside the vehicle, reinforcing their reputation for warm, one-on-one exchanges away from formal podiums. This was not the first time the pair have shared a ride: the tradition dates back to August 2019 during the SCO Summit in Bishkek, where Modi and Putin rode together to the opening of the World Nomad Games. It was repeated again in 2023 in Tianjin, China, on the margins of the SCO Heads of State Council.
During the New Delhi meeting, Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil text known for its ethical and moral maxims. The gesture was widely interpreted as a symbolic nod to the depth of India–Russia ties, which have endured for decades despite shifting geopolitical sands. The gift also reflected Modi’s emphasis on cultural diplomacy, a hallmark of his foreign engagements.
The leaders’ bonhomie comes at a pivotal moment. The 2026 BRICS Summit — the first hosted by India since the bloc’s expansion to include new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — will be closely watched for signals on de-dollarization, energy security, and global governance reform. India’s chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” aligns with Modi’s people-centric approach and the “Humanity First” principle he has championed.
Putin arrived in New Delhi earlier that day, greeted by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh at the airport. The Ministry of External Affairs posted on X: “Warmly welcome President Vladimir Putin of Russia for the 18th BRICS Summit. India
