Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow on July 9, 2024, marked a significant diplomatic event, as he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting was characterized by mutual respect and warmth, with Putin awarding Modi the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, Russia’s highest honor, for his contributions to strengthening Russian-Indian relations.During the talks, Modi emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, stating that ‘the solution cannot be through war. Bombs, missiles, and guns cannot guarantee peace, so we focus on dialogue, and dialogue is necessary’. Putin thanked Modi for his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, energy, and defense. Putin highlighted a 66% increase in trade between Russia and India last year, while Modi praised Russia’s support in helping India secure energy supplies.However, the visit drew criticism from some quarters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment, calling it a ‘great disappointment and a hard blow to peace efforts’. The U.S. State Department also voiced concerns about India’s relationship with Russia, urging India to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.Modi’s visit to Moscow, coinciding with the NATO summit in Washington, highlighted India’s delicate balancing act between its longstanding relationship with Russia and its growing ties with Western nations. Despite international pressure, India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, abstaining from UN resolutions condemning Russia while calling for a peaceful resolution.
Key points
- Putin awarded Modi the Order of St.
- Modi called for peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing dialogue over military action.
- The visit highlighted India’s delicate balancing act between its ties with Russia and Western nations.
- Trade between Russia and India increased by 66% last year, strengthening economic ties.
Andrew the First-Called, Russia’s highest honor.
Contradictionsđź‘ľWhile Modi emphasized the need for peaceful resolution in Ukraine, his visit to Russia was criticized by Ukrainian President Zelensky as a ‘blow to peace efforts’.
đź‘ľDespite U.
S.
concerns about India’s relationship with Russia, Modi continued to strengthen ties with Putin.
