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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a significant two-day visit to Russia, marking his first bilateral trip since the formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for a record third term. This visit holds particular importance against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and Modi's decision to skip the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kazakhstan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a significant two-day visit to Russia, marking his first bilateral trip since the formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for a record third term. This visit holds particular importance against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and Modi’s decision to skip the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kazakhstan.
Historical Ties and Diplomatic Stance
India’s relationship with Russia dates back to the Soviet era during the Cold War, when the USSR was a primary supplier of defense equipment amidst US hostility. This long-standing bond has seen India maintain a neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, consistently calling for diplomacy and dialogue rather than outright condemnation. This balanced approach underscores India’s delicate diplomatic position.
Personal Bonhomie and Strategic Partnership
A notable aspect of Modi’s visit is the strong personal rapport between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders have met 17 times over the past decade, with Putin warmly welcoming Modi as a “dear friend” during this visit. Their mutual admiration has strengthened bilateral ties, with Modi lauding Putin for his leadership in fortifying the relationship over two decades.
Rationale for Choosing Russia
Several reasons underpin Modi’s choice of Russia for his first bilateral visit after the formation of the Modi 3.0 government. In 2020, during Putin’s visit to India, the Strategic Partnership between the two nations was elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” This visit marks a break from Modi’s tradition of first visiting a neighboring country post-election, reflecting the significance India places on its relationship with Russia.
Defense and Economic Interdependencies
While India has diversified its defense partnerships with countries like the United States, France, and Israel, it remains heavily reliant on Russia, which supplies 60 to 70 percent of India’s defense needs. This interdependency extends to strategic sectors such as nuclear and space cooperation. Additionally, India has benefitted from discounted Russian oil amidst rising global prices, boosting bilateral trade volumes to $65.7 billion in the 2023-24 financial year.
Multilateral Cooperation and Connectivity Projects
India and Russia cooperate closely on various multilateral platforms, including the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO. Current efforts are focused on progressing an investment treaty and a free trade agreement with the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union. Russia also plays a crucial role in India’s connectivity projects, such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.
Agenda for Discussions
During official talks, Modi and Putin will focus on economic issues, particularly energy and trade, and the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sources indicate that Modi will emphasize that a solution cannot be found on the battlefield, aligning with India’s long-standing stance on diplomatic resolutions. Discussions will also address the trade imbalance exacerbated by increased energy imports, with proposals to enhance trade in consumables, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and digital services.
Scientific and Technological Collaboration
Indian Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, highlighted that the talks will explore new areas of scientific and technological research aimed at yielding tangible outcomes. The annual summit between the Indian Prime Minister and the Russian President, a crucial dialogue mechanism, has seen 21 summits so far, alternating between India and Russia.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia underscores the strategic importance of the India-Russia relationship, built on decades of mutual support and cooperation. As global dynamics shift, this visit reaffirms India’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Russia while navigating complex international landscapes.
