During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a moment of camaraderie. They greeted each other warmly and embraced. Subsequently, they traveled together in a car before departing for bilateral talks in China, an event that captured global attention. The vehicle, an Aurus Senat, is a luxurious and highly secure limousine, known for its formidable defenses. The car is designed and manufactured by Russia’s NAMI Institute and is frequently used by Putin for significant events and international tours. Its multi-layered armor, constructed from steel, ceramics, and other metals, renders it impervious to 7.62 mm rifle rounds and adheres to BR5 and European VR10 security standards. The thick windows are capable of stopping high-caliber bullets, while the doors and joints are engineered to prevent the entry of explosives or toxic gases. The car’s underside and top are shielded by special plates, providing protection against IEDs, grenades, and other explosive threats. The structure is a single piece, ensuring the safety of occupants even in the event of an explosion. The Aurus Senat is equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine delivering 598 hp, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. Run-flat tires allow the car to maintain a safe speed of 80 km/h even after a puncture. The fuel tank is made of a special polymer that prevents leaks or explosions even if hit by a bullet. The car also includes an air purification system to protect against toxic gases and chemical attacks, as well as an automatic fire suppression system. The estimated cost of the car is approximately £275,000, or around 3.05 crore rupees.
