Putin Drives PM Modi Around In Golf Cart, Gives Tour Of His Residence | Watch

A video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi riding in a golf cart driven by Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn attention on social media platforms.

The viral video shows PM Modi accompanied by Putin and two delegates seated behind, being chauffeured for an informal meeting at Putin’s residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, near Moscow, on Monday.

After meeting with the Indian community in Moscow, PM Modi had an informal gathering with Putin at his residence. There, the leaders enjoyed tea on a terrace, took a ride together in a golf cart, and visited the stables, as per news agency AFP.

‘Moment of joy’: Modi

Following their informal talks, PM Modi expressed delight to Putin, describing the visit as a “moment of joy.”

“Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia,” PM Modi later wrote on X, posting a photo of the leaders hugging.

During the visit, Russian President Putin personally guided PM Modi around his residence and gave him a tour in an electric car.

“The Russian leader showed his Indian guest around the residence and gave him a drive in an electric car. Most of the time they spoke via interpreters. However, when they left the car and were walking to the garden they had a brief tete-a-tete conversation, probably in English,” as per Russian news agency TASS.

‘Meeting of two close friends’: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the private event as a “meeting of two close friends and trusted partners”.

“PM @narendramodi welcomed by President Vladimir Putin of Russia at his official residence at Novo-Ogaryovo for a private engagement,” MEA in an ‘X’ post along with sharing snapshots of the occasion.

Prime Minister’s visit to Moscow, primarily focused on summit talks with Putin, holds significant geopolitical implications.

The two leaders will hold wide-ranging talks at the 22nd India-Russia annual summit on Tuesday that is largely being seen in the context of broader geopolitical tensions stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Significantly, this visit also marks Modi’s first trip to the country since Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine and since his reelection following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His last visit to Russia was in 2019.