When Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for a two-day visit after four years, the first chapter of diplomacy began on the runway itself. Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol and arrived at the airport and embraced Putin.

Then came the moment that captured the world's attention. It was when Putin and Modi left for the Prime Minister's residence together in a Fortuner. This image caught everyone's attention because Modi's official convoy usually travels in a Range Rover or Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard. Questions arose: Was this just a coincidence or a deliberate message?

It's said that nothing happens in diplomacy; every word and action carries significant meaning and far-reaching messages. While the government hasn't officially addressed why the Fortuner was chosen over a Range Rover or Mercedes, geopolitical experts have offered various theories in India Today and other media reports.

Putin distances himself from European brands

The most prominent theory that is emerging is that the choice of a Japanese brand car instead of a European brand becomes symbolically significant at a time when both India and Russia are facing close scrutiny from Western countries due to the Ukraine war.

Defence expert Colonel Rohit Dev  told The Economic Times  that this is a "message to the West" and added, "Putin being taken on a European brand of vehicle would have a negative impact, especially on countries supporting sanctions on Moscow."

Which car is in PM Modi's convoy?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official cars include a Range Rover and a Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard, both European brands. The UK and Germany, where these cars are manufactured, have been major supporters of Kyiv and have imposed sanctions on Russia.

"A European car would have been politically uncomfortable for Vladimir Putin during a state visit. A Japanese car completely avoids any such discomfort," India Today quoted a senior strategic commentator as saying.

A line is also going viral on social media, 'The choice of an Asian brand cleverly bypasses the Western narrative.'

Make in India message

Several Fortuner models are manufactured in India. According to media reports, the Fortuner used was a Sigma 4 variant with a Maharashtra license plate. Similarly, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also chose a white Fortuner when transporting Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. This suggests that this move may not be a single event, but part of a larger communication strategy.

The most practical reason is the seating arrangement.

In diplomacy, every detail matters, and sometimes the simplest of reasons can be the most important. According to government sources, the Fortuner's third-row seating was the real game-changer. Both leaders were traveling with their interpreters. While the Range Rover doesn't have a third row, the Fortuner could accommodate interpreters in the front row. This affected neither security nor protocol.

 PC:Jagran