Moscow/IBNS: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking a car ride after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin was one of the headliners at the massive event held in China.

The picture showing Modi sitting inside Putin's car as they were enroute for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit drew significance in the backdrop of the India-US tariff war, which has been launched by the Trump administration over New Delhi's purchase of oil from Moscow.

"This is no secret, I told him what we talked about in Alaska," Putin told a reporter at a press conference as quoted by Russian news agency TASS.

On his car ride, Modi had posted on X, "After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful."

Speaking of the bilateral ties, the Prime Minister said, "Had an excellent meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture.

"We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability."

Previously viewed as India-friendly, the Trump administration slapped a 25 percent tariff on the South Asian country for its high tariffs on American exports and another 25 percent for purchasing oil from Russia which is fighting a war against Ukraine.

The US argues the purchase of oil is fuelling money into the Russian economy amid Moscow's war with Ukraine.

Since the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2022, India significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian crude oil—now comprising over 30 percent of its total crude imports.

In response, the US proposed tariffs and trade measures targeting India’s exports to discourage this behavior.

What was the Alaska Summit about?

This summit marked the first time since 2022 that Putin visited the West, and the first meeting between U.S. and Russian leaders on U.S. soil since 1988.

The Alaska summit was held on August 15 to attempt a breakthrough on Ukraine peace talks, re-establish U.S.–Russia communication, and project diplomatic strength and symbolism—though no concrete deal came out of it.

The Alaska location was chosen as neutral U.S. territory but geographically closer to Russia.