KATHMANDU: The choice of cars underscored the diplomatic tone during the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Aurus Senat, Russia’s state-built luxury limousine, and the Toyota Fortuner again made headlines as President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a two-day visit.
The Senat, often called the “Russian Rolls-Royce,” is Russia’s official presidential car and is designed to survive extreme security threats.
Russia’s armored flagship
Putin first rode the Aurus Senat during his 2018 inauguration. The Senat replaced the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman in Russian state service. Produced by Aurus Motors, mass production of the limousine began in 2021.
Since then, it has featured in multiple diplomatic events, and in 2024, Russia even presented one as a gift to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The Aurus Senat is equipped with advanced protection features. It has a fully armored shell capable of withstanding high-caliber and armor-piercing bullets, along with blast protection against missile and drone attacks.
The limousine also includes an emergency flotation system, allowing it to remain operable if it enters water, and run-flat tires that enable movement even after tire damage.
Inside, the cabin is sealed and fitted with an independent chemical-filtration system to guard against toxic gases. Despite its heavy armor, the Senat is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine, reaching a top speed of around 160 kmph.
The base price of the Senat is about 18 million rubles (around Rs 25 million). Putin’s state version is almost twice as expensive due to classified systems. Civilian sales are limited to about 120 units a year.
Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi last used the Senat together after the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.
Fortuner serves as the ride for Putin and Modi in New Delhi
During Putin’s current visit, the two leaders traveled from the airport in a white Toyota Fortuner. The SUV belongs to India’s official security fleet. The Aurus Senat followed behind in the convoy.
The choice of the Fortuner drew global attention. Officials said using a Japanese-designed, India-assembled SUV instead of a European luxury car carried diplomatic meaning.
Analysts said it showed India’s independent foreign policy stance at a time of Western pressure.
The Fortuner is a reliable SUV widely used by Indian security agencies, making it suitable for VVIP movement. The 4×2 unit used for the ride is assembled in India.
