Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at Delhi’s Palam Airport, a significant departure from standard protocol. This handshake on the tarmac immediately became a focal point, symbolizing the deep personal trust and strategic alignment between the two leaders. Reciprocating Putin’s gesture during a previous visit, Modi invited the Russian President into his own vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner, for the journey to 7 LKM, the Prime Minister’s official residence. This act underscored India’s independent foreign policy, demonstrating that New Delhi will forge its own path and engage with global powers without compromising its national interests. The choice of a Fortuner, a practical and common Indian SUV, over Putin’s heavily armored limousine, conveyed a powerful message of trust in India’s security arrangements and served as an indirect assurance to Pakistan. Despite security upgrades, the Fortuner represents a modest choice compared to typical presidential conveyances, highlighting Moscow’s confidence in New Delhi’s safety infrastructure. This visible display of security and mutual trust, occurring shortly after a bomb blast in Delhi, offered a strategic rebuttal to any attempts to sow fear, showcasing India’s resilience and unwavering confidence on the international stage.
