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

Dec 05, 2025 03:02 pm CST

During Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day state visit to India, Prime Minister Modi broke protocol by personally receiving him at the airport and traveling together in a Toyota Fortuner rather than traditional luxury vehicles. The choice of a Japanese car assembled in India sparked widespread social media reactions, with Fortuner owners expressing pride while analysts noted the diplomatic messaging behind using a vehicle manufactured under the Make-in-India initiative.