PM Modi's Carpool Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi has started something quite unique, a trend that has come to be known as “car diplomacy.” It all started during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, when Prime Minister Modi was seen sharing a ride with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The image of them together in the same car wasn’t just a casual moment, it symbolised a growing personal connection between the two leaders, and from there, “car diplomacy” was born.

Since then, PM Modi has embraced this simple yet powerful gesture of sharing a car with other world leaders. What might seem like a small thing just getting into the same vehicle actually carries a lot of weight in international relations. It’s not just about the ride itself, it’s about breaking the formality of official summits and building a personal bond.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Malaysia for a two-day visit. He was received by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the airport, who greeted him with a hug. The two Prime Ministers were then seen sharing the same car as they drove towards the official hotel.

Here are some recent examples of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "carpool diplomacy" with world leaders that have grabbed attention.

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How 'Car Diplomacy' Took Off

- The first notable instance of this was during the 2025 Tianjin SCO summit. As Prime Minister Modi and President Putin drove together in a made-in-Russia Aurus sedan, it became clear that the shared ride was not merely a logistical arrangement but a symbol of their deepening friendship. Putin himself described the gesture as his own idea, stating, “The car ride with PM Modi was my idea. It was a symbol of our friendship.”

During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Delhi in December 2025, he once again carpooled with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin himself described the gesture as his own idea, stating, “The car ride with PM Modi was my idea. It was a symbol of our friendship.”

- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: During his brief visit to India in January 2026, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan landed in the national capital for a brief one-and-a-half-hour visit, during which Prime Minister Modi broke protocol to personally greet him and pick him up at the airport.

The two leaders were seen exchanging a warm hug, a gesture that reinforced the close personal rapport that has come to define India–UAE ties in recent years. They then left the Delhi airport in the same car, with Prime Minister Modi later sharing photos of the ride on his official X handle, writing, "Welcome, my brother."

- UK PMKeir Starmer: During a two-day visit to India, Prime Minister Modi shared a picture of himself with British PM Keir Starmer in a relaxed, informal setting. Modi described the relationship between India and the UK as "on the move" and "filled with great vigour," symbolised by their shared car ride.

An unusual and symbolic moment unfolded at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai as PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer began their day together in the same car, highlighting the strong India-UK friendship.

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- Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II: When Crown Prince Al Hussein drove PM Modi to The Jordan Museum in Amman, it was another moment of personal diplomacy. PM Modi shared this moment on social media, captioning it, "On the way to The Jordan Museum with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II." The gesture underscored the close relationship between India and Jordan.

- Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed: In a remarkable show of hospitality, Ethiopia’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally received PM Modi at Addis Ababa airport on the same day, drove him to his hotel, and made an unscheduled stop at the Science Museum and Friendship Park.

- Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz: During a visit to India, Chancellor Friedrich Merz also shared a ride with Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modi tweeted a picture of him sharing a ride with him, tweeting, "The friendship between India and Germany continues to grow through shared values, extensive cooperation and mutual understanding."