Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diplomatic Visit to Russia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia this week, showcasing Modi’s commitment to an independent diplomatic stance amidst the ongoing isolation of Moscow by the West due to the conflict in Ukraine.

For President Putin, Modi’s visit serves as a reaffirmation of the strong partnership between Russia and India, even as India has deepened its ties with the United States, the world’s fifth-largest economy. India’s significant purchases of discounted Russian petroleum have provided crucial financial support to Russia during a period of international sanctions. Moreover, Russia has positioned India as a key ally in efforts to reshape the Western-dominated global order.

Modi’s upcoming visit to Moscow marks his first trip to Russia in five years. He is expected to arrive on Monday and partake in a dinner hosted by President Putin. The agenda for their discussions on Tuesday includes talks on trade, energy cooperation, and military partnerships.

India emerged as a major importer of affordable Russian oil when Western sanctions limited Russia’s international market options. The country is also constructing large-scale nuclear power plants with Russian technical support. Additionally, Russia stands as India’s primary arms supplier, a critical aspect of their relationship given India’s historical border tensions with China.

The meeting between Modi and Putin coincides with a high-profile NATO summit in Washington. During the NATO gathering, Western allies are anticipated to announce increased air defense support for Ukraine and reaffirm their commitment to Kyiv’s security in the long term.

Indian officials in New Delhi expressed the significance of the Modi-Putin summit, highlighting that the relationship with Russia is not directed against any third party. They also downplayed the timing of the meeting in light of concurrent international events.