MOSCOW, Russia: Russia is preparing for an “important and full-fledged visit” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for summit-level talks with President Vladimir Putin, with the Kremlin noting that the West is observing the visit with “jealousy.”
Prime Minister Modi will be in Moscow from July 8 to 9 for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, marking his first visit to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
During the summit, the leaders will review the comprehensive range of multifaceted relations between India and Russia and exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted that the programme would be extensive, allowing for both official and informal discussions between the two leaders.
Peskov emphasized the strategic partnership level of Russian-Indian relations and mentioned that there would be both one-on-one talks and delegation meetings. He noted the significant attention from Western countries regarding Prime Minister Modi’s visit, interpreting their “jealousy” as a sign of the visit’s importance.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Prime Minister Modi has engaged in several telephonic conversations with both President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, urging for an end to the conflict that has had global economic repercussions. Reflecting its strong ties with Russia, India has refrained from condemning the invasion and advocates for resolving the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue.
India’s import of discounted Russian crude oil has surged, despite the G7 price cap and concerns from Western capitals. This upcoming visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s first trip to Russia in nearly five years, his last visit being in 2019 for an economic conclave in Vladivostok.
The annual summit between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Russia represents the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between the two nations. To date, 21 annual summits have been held alternately in India and Russia, with the last summit taking place on December 6, 2021, in New Delhi during President Putin’s visit to India.
