PM Modi’s White Fortuner: The most talked-about aspect of PM Modi welcoming the Russian president yesterday was the vehicle he used to bring the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, to his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, Delhi. The world’s attention was on the Russian president’s visit to India. Many expected PM Modi to use his usual Range Rover when he broke protocol to receive Vladimir Putin at Palam Airport, but to everyone’s surprise, he used a white Toyota Fortuner. The vehicle, registered MH01EN5795, attracted attention after images revealed the exact model and configuration used in the high-security movement.
Putin arrived in Delhi on the night of December 4, 2025. Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed him at Palam Airport, which is not common and showed the strong and friendly ties between India and Russia. What happened next caused a huge reaction on social media.
Why Modi skipped Range Rover and used Japanese-made Toyota Fortuner?
PM Modi’s White Fortuner: Normally, Putin uses his high-tech armoured Aurus Senat wherever he travels abroad. He had brought the same heavily protected car for his India visit as well. But when PM Modi came to receive him, Putin left his own vehicle and chose to travel with Modi.
Analysts say this reflects the level of trust and comfort between the two leaders. It shows not just strong official ties but also a personal understanding that goes beyond usual diplomatic protocol.
Security agencies often use white Fortuners for VIP road travel because this model is common in government vehicles and easily fits into convoys. It is stable on the road and has good ground clearance. The plain white colour and normal look help the vehicle stay low-profile while still keeping the person inside safe. The Fortuner’s regular registration plate drew attention because VIP movements are typically masked behind special plates or unmarked vehicles. While the convoy usually includes armoured vehicles, support cars such as Fortuners and Innovas are added for operational flexibility.
Toyota Fortuner Specifications
The vehicle Modi used instead of his Range Rover was a Toyota Fortuner Sigma 4 MT. It is owned by the Additional Commissioner of Mumbai. The SUV has the registration number MH01 EN 5795 and was registered in April 2024. It is the first ownership of the car, and its age is 1 year and 7 months. Its fitness is valid until 23 April 2039.
The model costs around Rs 4.5 million. Although it is registered as part of a security fleet valid through April 2039, it is unusual for a Fortuner to appear in a top-level diplomatic convoy. Its sudden presence, along with images of both leaders travelling in it, sparked widespread online curiosity and speculation.
