Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on July 8, 2024, for a two-day official visit to Russia, his first since 2019 and since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. Modi was greeted at the Vnukovo-2 airport by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and received a guard of honor. The Indian diaspora in Moscow also showed enthusiasm for PM Modi’s visit, with some members even singing bhajans outside his hotel.The visit aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Russia, with discussions focusing on bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues, and economic ties. Modi is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks at the Kremlin and a private dinner. Key areas of discussion are expected to include energy, trade, defense, and the situation in Ukraine.This visit highlights India’s complex geopolitical position, balancing its traditional ties with Russia and its growing relationships with Western countries. India has not condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and has increased its oil imports from Russia, becoming a major buyer since Western sanctions were imposed. However, the growing closeness between Russia and China, India’s regional rival, adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic relations.After his visit to Russia, Modi is scheduled to travel to Austria, marking the first visit by an Indian leader to the country since 1983. The Kremlin has emphasized the importance of Modi’s visit, with Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov describing it as ‘an important, full-scale visit’.
Key points
- PM Modi arrived in Moscow for a two-day visit, his first since 2019 and the start of the Ukraine war.
- The visit aims to strengthen India-Russia strategic partnership, focusing on trade, energy, and defense.
- India’s balancing act between Russia and the West is highlighted by this visit.
- Modi will also visit Austria after Russia, marking the first Indian leader’s visit since 1983.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported length of Modi’s visit, with some sources stating two days and others mentioning three days or five days.
👾The exact timing of Modi’s last visit to Russia varies slightly between sources, with some mentioning 2019 and others stating it’s been five years.
