A friendly car ride shared by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Putin's recent Delhi visit has become a flashpoint in American politics, with US lawmakers using the image to critique President Donald Trump's approach to India. The photo, showing the two leaders chatting amiably en route from the airport to Modi's residence, was brandished like a warning sign at a House hearing on US-India relations.​

Democrat Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove held up the poster-sized picture, declaring that Trump's steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods—compounded by penalties on Russian oil imports—are backfiring spectacularly. "He's cutting off our nose to spite our face," she said, warning that such policies could make Trump "the president who lost India" by alienating a key partner against China. Witnesses echoed her, noting H-1B visa restrictions further strain ties with India's tech talent pool.​

The summit itself yielded a robust five-year economic roadmap aiming for $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, covering energy, defense, and nuclear cooperation. India, now sourcing 40% of its oil from Russia up from nearly zero, prioritizes affordable energy security despite US pressure over Ukraine. No major arms deals were signed, but progress on S-400 systems and joint production highlights New Delhi's push for self-reliance.​

This episode recalls similar Modi-Putin moments, like their hour-long SCO summit drive in a Russian Aurus sedan, underscoring a bond dating back to Cold War alliances. Analysts see it as India's deft multi-alignment: nurturing Quad partnerships with the US while safeguarding Moscow ties. If tariffs persist without a trade deal, expect more such signals of strategic independence.​