Modi and Putin Hold 45‑Minute Private Talks in Putin’s Car at Shanghai Summit

India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, said he had an "insightful" exchange with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the two leaders spent about 45 minutes talking inside Putin’s car on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.

Modi posted a photograph of the inside of the vehicle alongside his comment, and the Russian presidency described the meeting as comfortable and candid. "They were at home... They felt comfortable there, and that's why they continued the conversation," Putin's spokesman said.

The private conversation followed earlier public displays of camaraderie between Modi and Putin while they were hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit. Video and still images showed the leaders exchanging hand-holding gestures and appearing relaxed in each other's company. China has said the SCO summit is aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states and challenging what it described as dominant Western influence.

The meeting comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and New Delhi. The United States last week announced tariffs of up to 50% on some Indian goods and measures that include a 25% penalty for transactions involving Russia. Washington said the measures were intended to penalise India for continuing to buy Russian oil and weapons, which are seen as a source of funds for Russia's war in Ukraine. Indian officials have shown no sign of halting purchases.

Modi and Putin's extended private discussion drew attention for its timing and optics, reinforcing perceptions that the SCO gathering provided a platform for leaders seeking closer ties outside the framework of Western alliances. The summit brought together several regional leaders to discuss security, trade and other issues, and delegates reported conversations on economic cooperation and regional conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.

Diplomats and analysts said private meetings such as the one in Putin's vehicle are a longstanding feature of international summits, allowing leaders to conduct candid exchanges away from public scrutiny. Indian officials described Modi's hour-long engagement with fellow leaders at the SCO as part of a busy schedule of bilateral talks and multilateral sessions.

The SCO, which includes China, Russia, India and several Central Asian states, has expanded its prominence as member states pursue diversified partnerships. The discussions in China underscored competing geopolitical alignments as major powers navigate trade, energy and security priorities in a fractious global landscape.

Modi's posted photograph and his brief description of the conversation as "insightful" added to the public record of a meeting that officials on both sides characterised as substantive. Further details of the discussion were not disclosed by either government.