PM Modi Receives President Putin in Toyota Fortuner: Diplomatic Choice Sparks Social Media Buzz

PM Modi and President Putin were photographed traveling together in a Toyota Fortuner during the Russian leader's state visit to India.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Thursday (Dec 4) for a two-day state visit to participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. In a departure from conventional protocols, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed President Putin at Palam Airport, after which both leaders traveled together to the Prime Minister's official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. Notably, they traveled in a Toyota Fortuner instead of the customary Range Rover or Mercedes typically used for foreign dignitaries.

Official records indicate that the Toyota Fortuner Sigma 4 MT (MH01EN5795) is part of a modern fleet used by security agencies for VIP transportation. Registered in April 2024, the vehicle meets BS-VI emission standards and maintains current regulatory compliance, with a fitness certificate valid until April 2039 and an active pollution certificate through June 2026.

When images of the two leaders in the Fortuner circulated online, social media users began speculating about the choice of the Japanese vehicle, while Fortuner owners across India expressed pride in the selection.

One social media user wrote, "My Punjabi Bagh cousin called me, 'Bro, Modi has received Putin in a Fortuner...Swad aa gaya.' All Fortuner owners today will raise a toast." Another user humorously commented: "Only if it was escorted by a Creta and a Thar."

A proud Fortuner owner shared, "As a Fortuner owner, I was happy to see them in a white Fortuner."

Another commenter suggested a deeper significance: "This is the way to send a message to the entitled West. Accept India the way it is, or enjoy being partners with Pakistan and India will break your nexus entirely."

While Toyota is a Japanese brand, the Fortuner is assembled at the company's Bidadi plant in Karnataka—aligning with Prime Minister Modi's 'Make-in-India' initiative. This facility manufactures several Toyota models including the Fortuner, Innova Hycross, Innova Crysta, and Legender, with an annual production capacity of up to 132,000 units.

The choice of vehicle represented a significant deviation from standard procedure for President Putin, who typically travels in his custom-built, heavily armored presidential limousine, the Aurus Senat. This Moscow-manufactured vehicle, known for its robust security features and Rolls-Royce-inspired design, is usually an essential component of his security arrangements during international visits.