Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia on July 8-9 for meetings with President Vladimir Putin, as announced by the Kremlin on Thursday. The discussions aim to enhance bilateral ties and tackle significant international and regional challenges. The visit highlights the mutual dedication of both countries to bolster their strategic alliance and cooperate on global and local issues.
PM Modi to visit Russia on July 8-9, his first since Ukraine war | The Indian Express
Modi and Putin to Bolster Indo-Russian Relations in Their Upcoming Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Russia on July 8-9 for discussions with President Vladimir Putin, centered on current regional and global issues of shared concern. According to the Indian foreign ministry, the leaders will assess the comprehensive range of their countries' multifaceted relations.
This significant diplomatic interaction follows praise from Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, who lauded India as a steadfast ally, underscoring the enduring and strategic partnership between both nations.
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"We have relations of special privilege, strategic partnership with India. We cooperate in so many areas, and I think that will be a substantive conversation on the whole range of issues that our countries cooperate on,” Nebenzia said.
When asked what he expects will from the visit, Nebenzia said, "I expect Russian-Indian relations to blossom even better.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (ANI File)
The importance of the visit
Prime Minister Modi is poised to embark on his first visit to Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. This visit holds significant importance as India navigates its delicate balance in maintaining relationships with both Moscow and Western nations amidst ongoing tensions.
Modi's last trip to Russia occurred in 2019 during the 20th India-Russia Annual Summit held in Vladivostok.
Over the past two years, India has pursued a cautious diplomatic approach concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While refraining from direct condemnation of Russia's actions, India has expressed concerns over specific incidents and potential escalations. For example, it has called for an international investigation into the Bucha killings and voiced unease about nuclear rhetoric from Russian officials.
India's voting behavior at the UN Security Council reflects this balanced stance, often abstaining from resolutions critical of Russia. This stance is shaped by India's long standing strategic partnership with Moscow, particularly in defense, where India heavily relies on Russian equipment.
Moreover, since the conflict began, India has capitalized on discounted Russian oil to help counter domestic inflation driven by global oil price hikes.
Modi and Putin last engaged in direct bilateral discussions in September 2022 during the SCO Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. During this meeting, Modi notably emphasized to Putin that "this is not the era of war," a phrase that gained traction and was subsequently incorporated into the G20 summit declaration in Bali in November 2022. Western leaders and diplomats also echoed this sentiment in their efforts to encourage Russia to cease hostilities.
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