IN HIS first trip since the start of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday travelled to Russia to hold summit talks with President Vladimir Putin -- a visit that is being seen as having a wider geopolitical context and signalling. Shortly after landing in Moscow, Modi said he is looking forward to deepening bilateral partnership in futuristic areas and that stronger ties between India and Russia will “greatly benefit our people”. India seeks to play a “supportive role” for a peaceful and stable region, the Prime Minister said in his departure statement. Earlier, the Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar expressing confidence said that the talks will yield “tangible outcomes” in many areas. Speaking to PTI Videos on Modi’s visit, Kumar said that extensive dialogue on trade, economic and investment cooperation and connectivity will be a key focus of discussions during Modi’s visit. Modi was received at the Vnukovo-II airport by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

 

The Russian first Deputy Minister also accompanied the Indian Prime Minister to his hotel from the airport, officials said. Manturov had received Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Russia as well. On Tuesday, Modi will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Putin, interact with the members of the Indian community and visit the Rosatom pavilion at an exhibition. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to lay a wreath at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’. The Indian Prime Minister was accorded a guard of honour at the airport. He was given a warm welcome outside The Carlton Hotel in Moscow by members of the Indian diaspora and a group of Russian artists who danced to the tune of Hindi songs. “A memorable welcome in Moscow! I thank the Indian community for their affection,” Modi said in another post on ‘X’.

 

“The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past 10 years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi said in his departure statement. “I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues,” he said. “We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region,” he said without making any specific references. New Delhi has been stoutly defending its “special and privileged strategic partnership” with Russia and maintained the momentum in the ties notwithstanding the Ukraine conflict.

 

The focus of the 22nd India-Russia annual summit is likely to be boosting bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. The Ukraine conflict is set to figure in the discussions. In the talks, Modi is expected to urge the Russian side to end recruitment of Indians as support staff to the Russian military and ensure the return of those still operating in the force. “Landed in Moscow. Looking forward to further deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our nations, especially in futuristic areas of cooperation,” Modi said on ‘X’. “Stronger ties between our nations will greatly benefit our people,” he said. It is Modi’s first trip to Russia since 2019, the first after the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022 and the first in Modi’s third term as the Prime Minister. Russian President Putin is set to host a private dinner for Modi tonight.