Tianjin (China): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian president Vladimir Putin travelling together in the latter’s limo to the venue of their bilateral meeting on Monday had already grabbed eyeballs.
But most were unprepared for what was to come next. Putin addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as ‘Mahamahim Pradhanmantri ji (Honourable Prime Minister)’ and ‘Priya Dost (Dear Friend)’ in his opening remarks.
The translators of both leaders were busy exchanging the remarks in Hindi and Russian as Modi and Putin spoke on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
“Honourable Prime Minister and dear friend, December 21 will mark 15 years of the elevation of India-Russia ties since we achieved our ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’. We enjoy a multi-faceted relationship. I can say with confidence that our relationship is principle-based and has multidimensional cooperation,” Putin said.
He also told PM Modi that he is “happy” to have met him.
“I am very happy to have met you. Today’s meeting is expected to provide a significant boost to the India-Russia relationship. Russia and India enjoy very good relations,” he said.
Modi and Putin met for the first time after the US imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India, allegedly for purchasing crude from Russia. The two leaders exchanged handshakes and hugs after reaching the SCO Summit venue earlier in the day. After the Summit, PM Modi left with Putin in the latter’s Aurus Senat – a high-end Russian-made limousine that he regularly brings on foreign trips, for the bilateral meeting.
According to sources, it was Putin who showed interest in travelling with Modi from the conference venue and even waited for about 10 minutes for the Indian PM to join him. They spoke for nearly an hour in the car – even after reaching the meeting venue, sources said.
“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,” PM Modi wrote on X.
During their bilateral meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen relations across all bilateral sectors and the situation in Ukraine.
Terming the meeting ‘excellent’, PM Modi said, “Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture. We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability.”