Several world leaders and senior officials have visited the national capital to attend the 18th BRICS summit on Saturday and Sunday. Apart from the delegation, there is something more that these leaders have brought with them to India.
Some of the world’s most powerful leaders also bring highly protected state vehicles designed to provide security while functioning as mobile command centres.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday in his armoured Aurus Senat limousine, a heavily reinforced vehicle known for its high level of security and secrecy.
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The vehicle became the latest example of “cardiplomacy” in the capital after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin held bilateral
talks and travelled together in the Russian president’s armoured limousine. The meeting came a day ahead of the 11-member BRICS summit.
BRICS Summit 2026 | Delhi: After their bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin share a car to head to the exhibition at Bharat Mandapam.
Leaders’ Session of BRICS Business Forum will be held here shortly.
(Pics: DD News) pic.twitter.com/HuSHYUGXkA
— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2026
From Mercedes-Benz To Aurus: Putin’s Presidential Ride
Russian President Putin began using the Aurus Senat in 2018, replacing the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman that had previously served as the Russian presidency’s official vehicle.
The Senat was developed as part of Russia’s Kortezh project, which aimed to produce domestically manufactured vehicles for the country’s top officials. Measuring around seven metres in length, the presidential L700 weighs several tonnes, with its armour and security equipment accounting for much of the weight.
598-HP Engine, Advanced Security Features
The Aurus Senat is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine that produces around 598 horsepower and 880 Nm of torque. The powertrain is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
While the exact level of protection remains classified, the Senat is reported to withstand high-calibre and armour-piercing bullets. Its windows are fitted with multi-layer bullet-resistant glass that is several centimetres thick.
The vehicle also comes equipped with run-flat tyres, a reinforced fuel tank and underbody protection designed to guard against explosions. Its passenger compartment reportedly features an independent oxygen and filtration system for use during a chemical attack, as well as fire-suppression systems.
Secure Communications, Luxury In The Rear Cabin
Putin can remain in contact with officials while travelling through the car’s secure communications systems.
The rear cabin features heated and ventilated massage seats, digital screens, work tables, a refrigerator and a privacy partition.
A civilian version of the Senat costs around 18 million roubles, or roughly Rs 2.5 crore. The presidential variant, however, includes additional security systems and is not available commercially.
The vehicle also has a connection with India. PM Modi travelled with Putin in the Aurus during the SCO Summit in China last year.
Hongqi’s Legacy As China’s Presidential Car
Chinese President Xi arrived in Delhi on September 12 and is expected to use China’s Hongqi N701.
Hongqi, meaning “Red Flag”, is the marque behind Xi Jinping’s presidential car. First Automotive Works established the brand in 1958 to manufacture vehicles for China’s political leadership.
Senior Communist Party officials and visiting foreign leaders used Hongqi’s early models. The marque later declined in prominence as foreign luxury carmakers expanded their presence in China, before returning as a premium domestic brand.
Hongqi N701: A Heavily Protected Presidential Limousine
Xi’s high-security movements are now associated with the Hongqi N701, although Chinese authorities have released limited official information about the vehicle.
The N701 is estimated to measure more than 18 feet in length and weigh over three tonnes. It is believed to feature heavy armour, bullet-resistant glass and reinforced bodywork, along with independent life-support and secure communication systems.
Unlike the Aurus, basic mechanical details of the N701 have also remained largely undisclosed. China has not officially revealed its engine, power output or exact level of ballistic protection.
The limousine is manufactured in very limited numbers and is not available to private buyers.
Hongqi’s India Connection: PM Modi, Xi Have Used The L5
Hongqi also has an India connection through another flagship model, the L5.
PM Modi travelled in a Hongqi L5 during his visit to Tianjin for the SCO Summit in 2025. Earlier, Xi used an L5 during his 2019 visit to India for informal talks with PM Modi in Mahabalipuram.
The L5 measures more than 5.5 metres in length and weighs over three tonnes. It has been offered with a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing more than 400 horsepower and can reportedly reach nearly 210 kmph.
Inside, the L5 features leather seats, wood and jade detailing, heated and ventilated massage seats and individual entertainment screens. The car costs nearly 5 million yuan, or around Rs 7 crore.
