It is often said in diplomacy that the body language of leaders tells more truth than official statements. Today, when Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plane will land at Palam Airport in Delhi, the eyes of the whole world will be on that door. But the real news is after the plane lands. Not only has Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself reached the airport to welcome his ‘best friend’, but a scene which the world had seen during the SCO Summit will be repeated again. According to sources, PM Modi and President Putin will leave from Palam Airport not in their separate vehicles, but in ‘the same car’. This is not just a mode of travel, but it will be that rare moment of ‘car diplomacy’, which will testify to the unbreakable relationship between India and Russia amidst all the criticism and sanctions from western countries.
You will remember that during the summits of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a different level of chemistry is often seen between Modi and Putin. The Shanghai scene mentioned by the user is a reminder of the warmth when these two leaders meet like friends, ignoring the frills of protocol and security.
Even during the SCO summit, there were many such informal moments when Modi and Putin had long conversations without caring about the world’s cameras. Now the same scene is going to be seen on the streets of Delhi. Usually, when a head of state comes, he has his own entourage and the host has his own. But when the host and the guest share the same vehicle, it is considered a symbol of ‘the highest level of trust’ in diplomatic language.
Breach of protocol: why is it such a big deal?
The security of the President or Prime Minister of any country is impenetrable. Vladimir Putin travels in his special limousine ‘Aurus Senate’, which is called ‘Moving Fortress of Russia’. Whereas, PM Modi uses ‘Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard’. As per security protocol, having both the leaders in the same closed vehicle is a big headache for the security agencies. But when the leaders themselves take such a decision, it is called ‘Gesture of Intimacy’. Sources say that after receiving Putin, PM Modi will take him in his car or in Putin’s limousine and leave for the hotel or meeting venue. This will be exactly what PM Modi did with Barack Obama in 2014 or with Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe in 2017 during the road show in Ahmedabad. But with Putin, who is currently being monitored by security agencies around the world, this step is very bold.
20 minutes inside the car: where the real diplomacy happens
The journey from the airport to the destination may take about 20 to 25 minutes. It is being said in diplomatic circles that this will be the time when real ‘informal talks’ will take place. Two old friends in a closed car, without assistants, without note-takers and without cameras.
Experts believe that during this ‘car ride’ there can be the most candid and direct talk on sensitive issues like Ukraine war, pressure from western countries, and payment crisis between the two countries. Often things that are said hesitantly at the official table are easily resolved among friends in the back seat of the car. This is the effect of a 24-year-old friendship, which started in 2001 during the era of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Message to the West: ‘We are together’
Seeing Putin and Modi in the same car will be a strong message for America and Europe. For some time now, this narrative was being run in the western media that India is now moving away from Russia and closer to America. But this picture of them traveling together on the streets of Delhi will show that India does not compromise on its strategic autonomy. This scene will show that even if the world tries to isolate Putin, India will welcome its old friend with ‘open arms’ and ‘open doors’.
Putin’s ‘Aurus’ or Modi’s ‘Maybach’?
Now the question is also which car will they sit in? If PM Modi sits in Putin’s ‘Aurus Senate’, it will show India’s confidence in Russian technology and security. Aurus Senate is counted among the safest cars in the world, which can withstand everything from bomb blasts to chemical attacks. At the same time, if Putin sits in PM Modi’s car, it will be a reflection of the Russian President’s unwavering faith in Indian hospitality.
