Tianjin, Sep 1 (PTI) - In a display of camaraderie, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an offer to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join him for a ride in his AURUS limousine on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held on Monday. The gesture led to an extended dialogue between the two leaders.
As reported by Russian national radio station VestiFM, the leaders seized the opportunity for a one-on-one discussion en route to the hotel where their teams were to join them for formal talks. Upon arrival, however, they opted to remain in the limousine, engrossed in conversation, for an additional 50 minutes.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that this tête-à-tête in the car lasted close to an hour.
Prime Minister Modi later shared the moment on social media, posting a photo with President Putin in the luxurious vehicle. "After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I traveled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful," Modi remarked.
Analysts in Moscow speculate that this private discussion may have been the most crucial exchange between Modi and Putin, delving into subjects "not for the ears of others."
During their formal bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi underscored the urgent need to end the Ukraine conflict, calling it a humanitarian imperative. He emphasized the importance of finding pathways to lasting peace in the region.
Modi also expressed India's eagerness to welcome President Putin, who is scheduled to visit India in December for a summit with the Indian Prime Minister.
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