Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Moscow from July 8 to 9 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. The Kremlin has stated that this visit is essential for strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations.
During his visit, PM Modi and President Putin will review the extensive and multifaceted relations between India and Russia. They will also discuss contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned in an interview with Russia’s state-run channel that the agenda for PM Modi’s visit will be comprehensive.
Peskov highlighted the significance of the visit, describing it as “very important and full-fledged.” He noted that the agenda would be packed with both official and informal discussions. This visit aims to bolster the strategic partnership between Russia and India, with both one-on-one talks and meetings involving delegations.
This will be Modi’s first visit to Russia in nearly five years, his last being in 2019 for an economic conclave in Vladivostok. The annual summit between the Indian Prime Minister and the Russian President is the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in their strategic partnership. The previous summit was held on December 6, 2021, in New Delhi, attended by President Putin.
Russia has had strong ties with India since the Cold War. The importance of New Delhi as a key trading partner for Moscow has increased, particularly since the Kremlin’s military action in Ukraine in February 2022. Following sanctions from the US and its allies, India has become a major buyer of Russian oil, aligning with its national interests.
