Modi, Putin's Fortuner: Friendship, SPG strategy behind protocol break.

• PM Modi and Russian President Putin traveled in a Toyota Fortuner, breaking standard protocol during Putin's visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
• The choice of vehicle, instead of usual armored SUVs, was described by intelligence sources as "out of friendship."
• The Special Protection Group (SPG) preferred a neutral, non-predictable vehicle like the Fortuner for security reasons, allowing for easier modification and integration into mixed convoys.
• SPG and Russian Federal Protection Service (FSO) agreed on the Toyota for discretion, minimum exposure, and flexibility in security operations for high-value targets.

Why It Matters: It explains a unique security choice driven by friendship and threat reduction.