Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday commenced a two-day visit to Russia, marking his first trip to the country since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. This high-profile visit is aimed at holding summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with a strong focus on bolstering bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy, trade, and defense.
Shortly after arriving in Moscow, PM Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening India-Russia ties in futuristic areas of collaboration, stating that such enhanced cooperation would “greatly benefit our people.” His remarks underline India’s strategic intent to maintain and advance its “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” with Russia despite global tensions.
A warm welcome in Moscow
Upon landing at Vnukovo-II Airport, Modi was warmly received by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. In a notable gesture of diplomacy, Manturov personally accompanied Modi to his hotel from the airport, traveling together in the same car. Manturov had also extended similar treatment to Chinese President Xi Jinping during his recent visit to Russia.
On social media platform ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), Modi shared his enthusiasm for the visit, posting: “Landed in Moscow. Looking forward to further deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our nations, especially in futuristic areas of cooperation. Stronger ties between our nations will greatly benefit our people.”
This visit is Modi’s first to Russia since 2019 and his first trip following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Additionally, this is his inaugural visit to Russia during his third term as Prime Minister.
High-level diplomatic engagements
President Vladimir Putin is expected to host a private dinner for Modi on Monday night, setting the stage for a more formal discussion on Tuesday at the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. The two leaders will review various facets of bilateral cooperation, focusing primarily on the sectors of trade, defense, and energy. The discussions are also likely to touch upon global and regional issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the agenda, stating: “PM is set to hold substantive discussions with President Vladimir Putin to take forward the special partnership between the two countries. He will also interact with the Indian community in Russia.”
Upon his arrival at The Carlton Hotel in Moscow, PM Modi was met by members of the Indian diaspora and a group of Russian artists who performed traditional dances to Hindi songs, showcasing the cultural ties between the two nations. Modi’s connection with the Indian expatriate community remains a key aspect of his visits abroad.
Bilateral focus on trade, energy, and defense
The primary focus of the Modi-Putin summit is expected to center around strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas such as energy, trade, and defense. India and Russia have historically maintained robust defense ties, with Russia being one of India’s main arms suppliers. In recent years, energy collaboration has also gained momentum, especially in the context of Russia’s oil and gas exports.
In his departure statement from India, PM Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful and stable regional environment, stating, “We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region.” While Modi did not make any direct references to the ongoing war in Ukraine, New Delhi has maintained its stance of promoting dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve the conflict.
India’s neutral position on the Ukraine war has been a point of global attention, as the country has not condemned Russia’s actions but continues to emphasize the importance of peace. Modi’s visit to Russia, despite the ongoing conflict, reflects India’s commitment to preserving its longstanding strategic partnership with Moscow.
Time-tested India-Russia partnership
The India-Russia relationship, often referred to as a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” has evolved over the past several decades, and the current summit marks the continuation of this enduring bond. Modi noted that bilateral ties have strengthened significantly over the last 10 years, particularly in sectors like energy, trade, health, education, and culture.
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“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,” Modi said ahead of the summit.
The annual India-Russia summit, the highest institutional dialogue mechanism between the two nations, alternates between India and Russia. The last summit took place in New Delhi in December 2021, when President Putin visited India. During that meeting, both countries signed 28 MoUs and agreements, underscoring their wide-ranging cooperation.
Looking ahead to Austria
After concluding his engagements in Russia, PM Modi will proceed to Austria, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over 40 years. During his time in Austria, Modi is scheduled to meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
In his statement before departing India, Modi emphasized that these visits to Russia and Austria present a valuable opportunity to deepen India’s ties with its long-standing friends.
As the Modi-Putin summit unfolds, it is expected that the two leaders will reinforce the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between their countries, advancing cooperation in key sectors that have mutual benefits for both India and Russia.
