New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin began his two-day visit to India on Thursday with an unexpected break from official protocol travelling alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a Toyota Fortuner instead of the usual high-end state vehicles. The leaders drove together from Delhi’s Palam Airport to the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, creating an online frenzy as photos of their car ride quickly went viral.
Putin, who arrived to attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, was personally received by PM Modi at the airport, a gesture many interpreted as a sign of the warm rapport between the two leaders. But it was the choice of vehicle that caught the public eye: a white Toyota Fortuner, far from the conventional Range Rovers or Mercedes-Benz models typically used for foreign dignitaries.
Public records indicate that the Fortuner registered as MH01EN5795 is part of a modern security fleet introduced in April 2024. The Sigma 4 MT variant meets BS-VI emission standards and carries all valid certifications, including a fitness certificate until 2039 and a pollution certificate active until June 2026.
As soon as the images surfaced online, social media users flooded platforms with playful comments, memes, and regional humour. Many Fortuner owners celebrated the unexpected spotlight on their preferred SUV.
One user joked: “My Punjabi Bagh cousin called ‘Bro, Modi picked up Putin in a Fortuner… swad aa gaya!’ All Fortuner owners will raise a toast today.”
Another quipped: “Only if it had a Creta and a Thar escorting it!”
A third added proudly: “As a Fortuner owner, I loved seeing them in a white Fortuner.”
Some commenters viewed the choice as a symbolic message to Western powers. “This is how you tell the entitled West accept India as it is, or partner with Pakistan and face the consequences,” one user posted.
Despite Toyota’s global ties, the Fortuner is manufactured domestically at the company’s Bidadi plant in Karnataka aligning with the government’s “Make in India” ethos. The facility manufactures models like the Fortuner, Innova Hycross, Innova Crysta, and Legender, with a production capacity of up to 1.32 lakh units annually.
Putin’s ride in the Fortuner also marked a significant deviation from his usual travel protocol. The Russian president typically relies on the Aurus Senat, his custom-built, heavily armoured limousine designed in Moscow and known for its Rolls-Royce-like styling and robust security features. The switch to a standard SUV underscored both logistical flexibility and the informal warmth of Thursday’s welcome.
As India and Russia prepare for high-level discussions during the annual summit, the viral Fortuner moment has already become one of the most talked-about highlights of Putin’s visit blending diplomacy with a dose of social media humour and national pride.