Why Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin chose a Toyota Fortuner instead of a standard armoured SUV for that surprise drive

Why the Fortuner?

When Putin landed in Delhi on December 4, 2025, instead of the usual convoy of armoured limousines and SUVs, he and PM Modi rode together in a plain white Fortuner — a move that surprised many.

This Fortuner (registration MH01 EN 5795) is not just any random vehicle: it belongs to the official VIP-security fleet used by Indian agencies.

Even though it appears ordinary, the Fortuner offers practical advantages: it provides enough space (with a third row), making it easier to accommodate interpreters or security aides along with the leaders — something the standard official SUV of the Prime Minister (a Range Rover) cannot do.

A Message Beyond Security — Diplomacy Through Optics

Experts believe the choice of a Japanese-made Fortuner, rather than a European luxury SUV (like a Range Rover or Mercedes), may have been a deliberate symbolic gesture. In the current global context, where many European countries have imposed sanctions on Russia because of the Ukraine war, using a European vehicle for Putin might have sent a problematic signal. A non-Western car subtly signals independent thinking and avoids provocative optics.

This might reflect what some analysts called a softer diplomatic message: that India is maintaining its sovereign foreign-policy identity, regardless of pressure from Western nations.

Moreover, the fact that Putin skipped his usual armoured limousine (the Russian official car, often known for its fortress-like security) in favour of a simpler SUV — while his official carriage trailed in the convoy — underscores a gesture of camaraderie and trust between the two leaders. It’s as much about optics and symbolism as about logistics.

Practical Security and Flexibility

Despite the less “glamorous” look, the security arrangements were far from neglected. The Fortuner was part of a larger convoy including armoured support cars. Using a less conspicuous but familiar government-fleet SUV can actually add operational flexibility — blending in better, avoiding unnecessary attention, and still ensuring layered security.

For a simple ride from the airport to the residence — a relatively short, controlled route — this kind of vehicle may have offered the best balance: enough space, acceptable security, low profile, and no unnecessary provocation.

What It Reflects About India–Russia Ties

This seemingly small decision — Fortuner instead of armoured SUV — carries more than just logistical meaning. It reflects mutual comfort, a degree of informality, and a signalling to global observers that India–Russia relations are not just transactional but built on personal rapport and trust. The optics of two leaders riding together in a modest SUV carries weight in diplomacy.

It also suggests India’s attempt to chart a middle path — maintaining ties with traditional partners while sending subtle signals that its choices are not bound by Western expectations.

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Conclusion

The decision of Modi and Putin to ride together in a Toyota Fortuner — bypassing the usual armoured SUVs — was not random. It combined practicality (space, flexibility), security-fleet protocol, and a carefully chosen diplomatic message. In the world of high-stakes international diplomacy, sometimes the car you ride matters just as much as what you say.