The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow for summit-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to be a significant event, with the Kremlin expressing anticipation amidst Western scrutiny. Scheduled from July 8 to 9 at the invitation of President Putin, this visit marks PM Modi’s first to Russia since the onset of its conflict with Ukraine in February 2022.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, the visit of PM Modi to Russia will encompass a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and discussions on key regional and global issues of mutual interest. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted the breadth of the agenda, emphasizing the formal nature of the talks while hinting at informal discussions between the leaders.
“Obviously, the agenda will be extensive, if not to say overbusy. It will be an official visit, and we hope that the heads will be able to talk in an informal way as well,” Peskov remarked in an interview with Russia’s VGTRK television channel.
Describing Russian-Indian relations as a strategic partnership, Peskov underlined the importance of the visit for bilateral ties, stating, “We are expecting a very important and full-fledged visit, which is so crucial for Russian-Indian relations,” as reported by Tass news agency.
Moreover, Peskov acknowledged Western interest in the visit, characterizing it as jealousy that underscores the significance attached by Western capitals to the Indo-Russian relationship. “They are jealous — that means they are closely monitoring it. Their close monitoring means they attach great importance to it. And they are not mistaken, there is something to attach great importance to,” Peskov commented on Western reactions to PM Modi’s visit.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, PM Modi has engaged in multiple telephone conversations with President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, advocating for a resolution to the conflict through dialogue. India’s stance on the Ukraine issue has been neutral, refraining from condemning Russia while urging for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Economically, India has continued to import Russian crude oil despite global price concerns and Western disapproval, reflecting the robust energy ties between the two nations.
The upcoming summit in Moscow holds significant importance as the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, continuing the tradition of high-level institutional dialogue that alternates between the two countries annually. The previous summit took place in New Delhi in December 2021 during President Putin’s visit to India.
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PM Modi’s visit to Russia, his first in nearly five years, underscores India’s steadfast partnership with Russia amidst evolving global dynamics and geopolitical tensions.
