Moscow, Jul 8 (PTI) On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Russia, marking his first trip since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. During this visit, he is set to hold summit talks with President Vladimir Putin, focusing on enhancing bilateral ties in the energy, trade, and defense sectors. Stronger ties between our nations will greatly benefit our people: PM Modi in Moscow
Shortly after arriving in Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi anticipated strengthening the bilateral partnership in innovative and forward-looking sectors. He emphasized that closer ties between India and Russia would significantly benefit the citizens of both nations.
Upon landing at Vnukovo-II airport, Modi was warmly received by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov. The warm reception underscored the importance of Modi’s visit in the context of the long-standing relationship between the two countries. Manturov personally accompanied Modi from the airport to his hotel, traveling together in the same car, a gesture highlighted the high regard and mutual respect between the two leaders.
During this two-day visit, Modi is scheduled to engage in summit talks with President Vladimir Putin. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as energy, trade, and defense. Both leaders aim to explore new avenues for collaboration, ensuring that the partnership remains robust and dynamic in the face of evolving global challenges.
Modi’s visit to Russia, his first since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, signals a commitment to maintaining and deepening the strategic partnership between India and Russia. The high-profile meetings and engagements planned during this trip reflect the significance both nations place on their bilateral relationship and their shared vision for the future.
Manturov had also received Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Russia.
“Landed in Moscow. Looking forward to further deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our nations, especially in futuristic areas of cooperation,” Modi posted on ‘X’.
“Stronger ties between our nations will greatly benefit our people,” he added.
This visit marks Modi’s first trip to Russia since 2019, his first since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, and his first in his third term as Prime Minister.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host a private dinner for Prime Minister Modi tonight, ahead of the 22nd India-Russia summit in Moscow on Tuesday.
Modi will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Putin and will also engage with members of the Indian community in Russia.
“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,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on ‘X’.
The Indian Prime Minister was accorded a guard of honor upon his arrival at the airport. Outside The Carlton Hotel in Moscow, he received a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora and a group of Russian artists who danced to Hindi songs.
In his departure statement, Modi emphasized that India seeks to play a supportive role in fostering a peaceful and stable region.
After concluding his engagements in Russia on July 9, Prime Minister Modi will depart for Austria, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over 40 years.
The Modi-Putin summit talks are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and defense, with the Ukraine conflict also set to be a key topic of discussion.
In his departure statement, Modi highlighted the progress made in the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia over the past decade. “This partnership has advanced in areas such as energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges,” he noted.
“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 added.
“We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region,” he concluded, without making specific references.
New Delhi has staunchly defended its “special and privileged strategic partnership” with Russia, maintaining strong ties despite the Ukraine conflict. India has not condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine, consistently advocating for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the visit will also provide an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia.
In a post on ‘X’ before departing for Moscow, Modi 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 a time-tested friendship.”
Ahead of Modi’s visit, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that the agenda for the talks would be “extensive.”
“Obviously, the agenda will be extensive, if not overburdened. 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.
During the talks, Prime Minister Modi is expected to urge the Russian side to stop recruiting Indians as support staff for the Russian military and ensure the return of those still serving in the force.
The annual summit between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Russia is the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between the two countries, held alternately in India and Russia. The last summit took place on December 6, 2021, in New Delhi, where President Putin visited India. This summit resulted in the signing of 28 MoUs and agreements, along with a joint statement titled “India-Russia Partnership for Peace, Progress, and Prosperity.”
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin last held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on September 16, 2022. During this meeting, Modi famously 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 engaged in several telephonic conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict.
In a post on ‘X’ before departing for Moscow, Modi stated, “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 a time-tested friendship.”
Ahead of Modi’s visit, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that the agenda for the talks would be “extensive.” He added, “It will be an official visit, and we hope that the heads will be able to talk informally as well.”
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