Narendra Modi Gives Vladimir Putin A Ride In His Toyota Fortuner (Video)
Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in New Delhi on Thursday (December 4th). This visit is of strategic significance and happens at a time when Russia is facing pressure to end the war in Ukraine and when the US has been punishing India with rising tariffs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi got many surprised with the way he welcomed Putin in Delhi. He received Putin personally and the two left the airport in the same vehicle- PM Modi’s Toyota Fortuner. This ‘unusual’ choice of wheels instantly caught the attention of many.
When Putin’s aircraft, an Ilyushin Il-96, also called the ‘Flying Kremlin’, landed in Delhi’s Palam Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was already waiting for him there. This is indeed an unusual protocol breach, and one that defined the tone of the visit itself. PM Modi welcomed the president warmly. The two shook hands on the tarmac- maybe a strong strategic signal broadcast to the world. What happened next was even more interesting.
PM Modi invited the Russian president to his own vehicle- a White Toyota Fortuner. The symbolism in this was unmistakable. In August, Putin had offered Modi a ride in his presidential limousine, the Aurus Senat limo, also called ‘Fortress on Wheels’, in China's Tianjin.
The Fortuner ride was, in a way, the Prime Minister returning the courtesy. And Putin, who had already flown in his armoured presidential limousine, chose to set it aside, and joined the Prime Minister in his SUV. The Fortuner already has a ‘politician car’ image in India, and this incident will only cement the same.
PM Modi and Putin travelling in a humble Fortuner sends a strong message to the world that the India-Russia partnership is built on trust and geopolitical calculation. The PM personally receiving him at the airport also underlines the independent nature of our foreign policy. Many see it as a strong message aimed at the West.
Interestingly, the SUV in this case had Maharashtra registration (MH01EN5795). The two travelled in it from Palam airport to the Prime Minister’s residence. Modi is often seen using a Range Rover and several other expensive armoured SUVs. The switch to an armoured Fortuner surprised many.
The SUV seen in these images/videos is a 2024 Fortuner Sigma 4MT. It is powered by a 2.8L, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with an output of around 200hp and 420Nm. It has a manual transmission and a 2 wheel drive (4x2) layout. In its stock form, this variant has an ex-showroom price of under Rs 50 lakh.
However, the one used by the VIPs here is armoured and has has several upgrades to ensure the occupants’ safety. Such modifications would make the value rise exponentially. It is still modest compared to the Russian presidential limo. Putin’s willingness to accept the ride showed Moscow’s trust in New Delhi. Russia has, in fact, been one of India's oldest partners. The picture here was much bigger than two powerful men travelling in a reliable Japanese SUV.
Toyota Fortuner is very popular in India. Using a White Fortuner also helps VIPs maintain a low profile on public roads. New Delhi seems to have had this intention, as the SUV did not even have special VIP plates.
Putin’s visit has triggered massive security protocols in Delhi. Traffic regulations, route sanitisation, and clear passage arrangements are being implemented at many places.