Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin have become a major talking point on Chinese social media, overshadowing other key events of the summit. The camaraderie between the two leaders has resonated with the Chinese public, sparking discussions and symbolizing what many see as a "special friendship" between India and Russia.

On Weibo, China's biggest social media platform, the top trending topic was "Modi takes Putin's car". Simultaneously, the top search on Baidu, China's leading search engine, was "Modi and Putin hugged and chatted hand-in-hand". These trends emerged after reports that President Putin waited nearly 10 minutes for Prime Minister Modi so the two could travel together to the venue for their bilateral meeting from the SCO conference site.

The seemingly simple act of Putin and Modi sharing a ride has been interpreted as a symbolic gesture with deeper implications. After the SCO Summit, Modi posted a photo on X, mentioning that he and Putin traveled together to the bilateral meeting venue and that conversations with Putin are always insightful. This "hand-in-hand" walk, hug, and shared ride in Putin's Aurus Senat limousine quickly went viral. The two leaders reportedly continued their conversation for 45 minutes after arriving at the venue.

Analysts suggest that Modi's public display of warmth towards Putin sends a message that India intends to maintain its "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" with Russia, despite global concerns and pressures. Russia is currently under strict Western sanctions because of the war in Ukraine, while India has faced pressure from the U.S. and Europe to reduce its energy and defense ties with Moscow.

The Modi-Putin chemistry also carries significance for China, the host of the SCO summit. The online interest suggests a public perception of the two leaders as a counterbalance to Western influence. One Weibo user commented that "Modi rides Putin's car - that's more symbolic than any speech at the summit".

During their one-hour meeting, Modi and Putin discussed cooperation in various sectors, including trade, fertilizers, space, defense, and culture. Modi reiterated India's call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized the need to find ways to end the conflict as soon as possible to restore regional stability and peace, which he described as "the call of the entire humanity". Putin stated that Russia values the efforts of China, India, and other strategic partners aimed at facilitating the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

Earlier, images also surfaced of Modi, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping together on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. The three leaders were seen smiling and conversing, reminiscent of a similar photo from the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.