Aurus limo diplomacy: Putin and Modi share ride at SCO
Putin and Modi share a ride in a Russian Aurus limousine at the SCO summit
Aurus limo diplomacy: Putin and Modi share ride at SCO
At the SCO summit in Tianjin Putin and Modi shared a Russian Aurus limousine—a surprise act of auto diplomacy boosting Russia's auto industry and soft power.
2025-09-01T10:33:56+03:00
2025-09-01T10:33:56+03:00
2025-09-01T10:33:56+03:00
Auto news took on a diplomatic twist at the SCO summit in Tianjin. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed to talks in the same vehicle—a Russian Aurus limousine. VGTRK correspondent Pavel Zarubin reported the joint ride and noted that even the accompanying delegations had not anticipated the decision to travel together.The shared drive added a layer of symbolism to the encounter: a domestic car became a venue for informal conversation between the two leaders. Modi had previously said he finds meetings with Putin pleasant and held in a trusting atmosphere.Running from August 31 to September 3 in Tianjin, the SCO summit has gathered leaders from major countries in the region. On the agenda are economic cooperation, security issues, and bilateral negotiations. The forum will conclude with a military parade marking the anniversary of China’s victory over the Japanese occupation, with Putin invited as an honored guest.The unexpected Aurus episode worked not only as a gesture of goodwill but also as an extra spotlight on Russia’s auto industry. For the Aurus brand, it is a strong reputational move that highlights how a state limousine can function as soft power. In diplomacy, the choice of wheels can communicate as much as any communiqué.
Putin, Modi, Aurus limousine, SCO summit, Tianjin, auto diplomacy, Russia auto industry, Aurus brand, state limousine, soft power, joint ride, bilateral talks, VGTRK report, automotive news
2025
Michael Powers
news
Putin and Modi share a ride in a Russian Aurus limousine at the SCO summit
At the SCO summit in Tianjin Putin and Modi shared a Russian Aurus limousine—a surprise act of auto diplomacy boosting Russia's auto industry and soft power.
Michael Powers, Editor
Auto news took on a diplomatic twist at the SCO summit in Tianjin. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed to talks in the same vehicle—a Russian Aurus limousine. VGTRK correspondent Pavel Zarubin reported the joint ride and noted that even the accompanying delegations had not anticipated the decision to travel together.
The shared drive added a layer of symbolism to the encounter: a domestic car became a venue for informal conversation between the two leaders. Modi had previously said he finds meetings with Putin pleasant and held in a trusting atmosphere.
Running from August 31 to September 3 in Tianjin, the SCO summit has gathered leaders from major countries in the region. On the agenda are economic cooperation, security issues, and bilateral negotiations. The forum will conclude with a military parade marking the anniversary of China’s victory over the Japanese occupation, with Putin invited as an honored guest.
The unexpected Aurus episode worked not only as a gesture of goodwill but also as an extra spotlight on Russia’s auto industry. For the Aurus brand, it is a strong reputational move that highlights how a state limousine can function as soft power. In diplomacy, the choice of wheels can communicate as much as any communiqué.
