PM Modi in Moscow: Aiming to Forge Stronger India-Russia Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his first trip to Russia since the Ukraine conflict began. He arrived in Moscow on Monday for summit talks with President Vladimir Putin. This visit is seen as significant in the broader geopolitical context. Upon landing, Modi expressed his eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties in futuristic areas, stating that stronger India-Russia relations would greatly benefit both nations.

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Focus on Bilateral Cooperation

The 22nd India-Russia annual summit will focus on enhancing cooperation in energy, security, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. The ongoing Ukraine conflict is expected to be a key topic of discussion. Modi is likely to urge Russia to stop recruiting Indians as support staff for its military and ensure the return of those still serving.

Modi was welcomed at Vnukovo-II airport by Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who also accompanied him to his hotel. Manturov had previously received Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Russia. Modi's schedule includes co-chairing the summit with Putin, interacting with the Indian community, and visiting the Rosatom pavilion at an exhibition.

Warm Reception in Moscow

Upon arrival, Modi was given a guard of honour at the airport and received a warm welcome outside The Carlton Hotel by members of the Indian diaspora and Russian artists performing Hindi songs. "A memorable welcome in Moscow! I thank the Indian community for their affection," Modi posted on X.

In his departure statement, Modi highlighted the progress in the India-Russia strategic partnership over the past decade. He mentioned advancements in energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. "I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues," he said.

Summit Agenda

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the agenda for Modi's visit would be extensive. "Obviously, the agenda will be extensive, if not to say overbusy. It will be an official visit, and we hope that the heads will be able to talk in an informal way as well," he said.

The annual summit between India and Russia is the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in their strategic partnership. These summits are held alternately in India and Russia. The last summit took place on December 6, 2021, in New Delhi, where both sides signed 28 MoUs and agreements and issued a joint statement titled "India-Russia Partnership for Peace, Progress and Prosperity."

Modi's visit marks his first trip to Russia since 2019 and his first since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. It is also his first visit during his third term as prime minister. President Putin is set to host a private dinner for Modi during this visit.

Previous Interactions

Modi and Putin last held bilateral talks during a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on September 16, 2022. During that meeting, Modi urged Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine by stating, "Today's era is not of war." Since February 2022, Modi has had several telephonic conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

New Delhi has consistently defended its special strategic partnership with Russia despite the Ukraine conflict. India has not condemned Russia's actions but has called for resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

After completing his engagements in Russia on July 9, Modi will travel to Austria. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in over 40 years.

The prime minister also mentioned that this trip would provide an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia. In a post on X before leaving for Moscow, he said: "Over the next three days, I will be in Russia and Austria. These visits will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these nations with whom India has time-tested friendships."

The visit underscores India's intent to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region without making specific references to ongoing conflicts.