The interaction occurred as leaders gathered to pay floral tributes on Phule's birth anniversary.
According to accounts from the event, Modi greeted several dignitaries and paused near Rahul Gandhi, initiating a short exchange that lasted about a minute.
Gandhi was seen responding and nodding during the conversation, though the content of their discussion was not disclosed.
The interaction stood out because the two leaders are rarely seen engaging beyond formal pleasantries at public events.
The gathering included several prominent leaders such as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union ministers J P Nadda, Virendra Kumar, and Arjun Ram Meghwal, as well as Rajya Sabha members and officials.
Modi and Gandhi were seated among other dignitaries during the ceremony.
The brief exchange quickly sparked speculation on social media due to the rarity of direct interaction between the two leaders, who represent rival political parties.
After the event, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Phule on social media, describing him as a visionary reformer who promoted equality, justice, education, and women's empowerment.
He noted that Phule's ideas continue to inspire social progress and highlighted the beginning of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations.
Rahul Gandhi also posted a tribute, praising Phule's lifelong struggle for the rights of marginalized communities and his role in advancing equality and social justice.
Both leaders separately acknowledged Phule's legacy, focusing on his contributions to education and reform in Indian society. (PTI)