Prime Minister Narendra Modi Embarks on High-Profile Visit to Russia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Russia on Monday for a significant two-day visit, during which he will engage in summit talks with President Vladimir Putin. The discussions aim to review all aspects of bilateral ties and explore opportunities to enhance cooperation in sectors such as trade, energy, and defense.
This visit marks Modi’s first trip to Russia in nearly five years, with his last visit occurring in 2019 for an economic conclave in Vladivostok. The 22nd India-Russia annual summit, set for Tuesday, will see Modi and Putin deliberating on expanding bilateral relations across diverse areas, including trade, energy, and defense.
“The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past 10 years, encompassing energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi stated in his departure statement. He expressed his eagerness to review all aspects of bilateral cooperation with President Putin and to discuss various regional and global issues. Modi emphasized India’s supportive role in fostering a peaceful and stable region without specific references.
The annual summit between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Russia represents the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between the two nations. To date, 21 annual summits have alternated between India and Russia, with the last summit held on December 6, 2021, in New Delhi. President Putin, who has visited India nine times as head of the Russian state, attended this summit.
Modi and Putin last engaged in bilateral talks during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on September 16, 2022. In this meeting, Modi urged Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine, stating, “Today’s era is not of war.” Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Modi has had several telephonic conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Reflecting its strong friendship with Russia, India has not condemned Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.
During his visit to Russia, the prime minister will also meet with the vibrant Indian community. Following his stay in Russia, Modi will travel to Austria on Tuesday, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country in over 40 years.
