Modi, Putin share car ride to World Nomad Games after SCO bilateral meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled together in the same car on Monday as they made their way to the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena.

The unusual ride came shortly after the two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.

This is not the first time Modi and Putin have opted to travel together. The two leaders were seen sharing a car during the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, last year. Putin also travelled with Modi in the same vehicle during his visit to India in December last year.

Modi-Putin meeting

Before heading to the World Nomad Games, Modi met Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, where the Russian President praised the Prime Minister for his “personal attention” to India-Russia relations.

The two leaders were seen embracing and shaking hands at the start of their meeting.

“We must move away from endless war towards an end to the war,” Modi told Putin.

The Prime Minister also invited Putin to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

“We are eager to welcome you to India for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this September,” Modi said, adding that Putin’s visit would “further strengthen India-Russia relations.”

Putin, in response, thanked Modi for his continued focus on bilateral ties.

“I’m very grateful to you for your personal attention to the Russia-India relationship,” the Russian President said.

The two leaders also discussed the broader India-Russia relationship and the diplomatic calendar ahead.

Modi’s ‘car diplomacy’ in Uzbekistan

Modi’s ride with Putin comes days after another instance of what has been described as his “car diplomacy” in Central Asia.

Upon arriving in Tashkent late on Saturday, Modi was received by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The two leaders then travelled together by car from the airport to the presidential palace, where they held a dinner meeting.

Modi received a ceremonial welcome in the presence of Mirziyoyev, including the playing of Uzbekistan’s national anthem.

Sharing pictures on X, Modi thanked the Uzbek President for the warm reception.

“Landed in Tashkent to a warm welcome by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Grateful to him for the special gesture,” he wrote.

Pictures from the visit showed Modi and Mirziyoyev travelling together in the same vehicle and later exchanging a warm hug.

The “car diplomacy” trend involving Modi gained wider attention after he and Putin travelled together for their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin in 2025.