Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday for his first visit to Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. This visit, marked by a warm reception from Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscores the enduring relationship between the two nations, despite the Kremlin's growing reliance on China.
Upon his arrival, Modi was welcomed by Putin at his residence in Novo Ogaryovo, where the two leaders shared an informal evening. Putin expressed his delight in seeing Modi, referring to him as a 'dear friend.' The evening included a tour of the residence's grounds, a horse show, and a discussion over tea, fruits, and sweets.
The formal talks between Modi and Putin are scheduled to take place in the Kremlin on Tuesday. These discussions are expected to cover a wide range of bilateral issues, with a particular focus on addressing India's trade imbalances with Russia. Trade between the two countries has reached nearly $65 billion in 2023-24, primarily driven by India's increased purchases of discounted Russian crude oil.
Modi's visit comes at a time of heightened global tensions due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The United States has expressed concerns about India's relationship with Russia, particularly in light of India's refusal to explicitly condemn the Russian invasion. Despite these concerns, India has maintained a stance of neutrality, abstaining from UN resolutions on Ukraine and calling for a cessation of hostilities and a restoration of peace.
The visit also highlights the strategic balancing act India must perform, given its close ties with both Russia and the United States. While India has strengthened its partnership with the US, especially in defense, trade, and technology, it continues to rely heavily on Russian military equipment.
Modi's visit to Russia is seen as an attempt to reaffirm this long-standing relationship while addressing contemporary challenges. The trip follows Modi's recent electoral victory, marking his first bilateral visit since securing a third consecutive term. Following his visit to Moscow, Modi is scheduled to travel to Vienna, marking the first visit by an Indian leader to the Austrian capital since 1983.
- Modi's visit to Russia is notable not only for its diplomatic significance but also for its timing. The trip comes shortly after Putin's return from Kazakhstan, where he attended the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting. This meeting underscored the growing ties between Moscow and Beijing, a development that is of particular concern to India given its ongoing border disputes with China.
- Despite India's membership in the SCO, Modi did not attend the meeting in Kazakhstan, signaling a potential shift in New Delhi's engagement with the bloc. Analysts suggest that Modi's visit to Russia is partly motivated by a desire to counterbalance China's influence in the region.
- The visit also serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in which India operates. While New Delhi has maintained a strong relationship with Washington, it continues to navigate its historical ties with Moscow. This balancing act is further complicated by India's strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region, where it shares common concerns with the United States regarding China's assertiveness.
- Modi's diplomatic efforts are not limited to Russia. His upcoming visit to Austria indicates a broader strategy to strengthen India's global partnerships. This visit to Vienna will be the first by an Indian leader in four decades, highlighting the importance New Delhi places on diversifying its international relationships.
