PM Modi’s 2-day Russia visit concludes, PM departs for historic Austria trip

Since Modi became Prime Minister, he and Putin have convened a total of 16 times. However, they have not met since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which led to extensive sanctions imposed by Western nations. Modi’s most recent visit to Russia was for the Eastern Economic Forum meeting in Vladivostok in September 2019, while Putin’s last trip to India was in December 2021 for the annual bilateral summit.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posed three questions ahead of PM Modi’s Russia visit. He raised question about export numbers between the two countries and Indian national joining Russian army. He also asked if relations between the two countries taken cooled off somewhat under Mr. Modi’s watch?

Upon arriving in Moscow on Monday afternoon, PM Modi will receive a warm welcome from Russian President Vladimir Putin over a private lunch. The next day, the Prime Minister plans to interact with the Indian community living in Russia. Following this, he will visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Kremlin and explore an exhibition site in the capital city.

PM Modi’s visit to Russia will emphasize bilateral trade, economic relations, and advancements in scientific and technological research. The Indian Ambassador to Russia expressed optimism that the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will result in significant outcomes across multiple domains.

PM Narendra Modi embarks on a three-day official visit to Russia and Austria

PM Modi’s departure statement ahead of his visit to Russia and Austria

“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. We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region. The visit will also provide me an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia,” Modi said in an official statement.

The frequency of high-level meetings between Indian and Russian leaders highlights the significance both countries attach to their relationship. Their most recent encounter was in 2022 in Samarkand during the SCO Summit, and they have stayed in touch through numerous telephone conversations. Moreover, there have been regular exchanges between foreign ministers and national security advisors, underscoring the dynamic and continuing nature of India-Russia relations.

Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Moscow are enthusiastic about PM Modi’s upcoming visit to the country. They expressed their happiness over his visit. They chanted, “We love Modi Ji”, and sang patriotic songs.

ALSO READ | India-Russia summit: Stranded Indians and trade imbalances top the agenda

One of the most urgent concerns revolves around the plight of Indian nationals stranded in Russia. Recent reports indicate that approximately 30-40 Indians have been deceived into joining the Russian Army to participate in the conflict with Ukraine. These individuals were allegedly enticed with promises of lucrative employment opportunities, only to find themselves in a war-torn region. Sadly, at least two Indians have lost their lives in these distressing circumstances.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra affirmed that the Indian government has taken proactive steps to address this issue, successfully repatriating around 10 Indian citizens. However, the situation remains uncertain for the remaining stranded individuals. During his upcoming visit, Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to discuss this matter directly with President Vladimir Putin, seeking a resolution that ensures the safe return of all affected Indian nationals.

The summit will offer a platform for the leaders to assess a diverse array of bilateral matters. These encompass defense cooperation, investment relations, energy partnerships, advancements in science and technology, educational initiatives, cultural exchanges, and interactions between people. The summit will also scrutinize bilateral engagements within multilateral frameworks such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), G20, the East Asia Summit, and the United Nations.

Addressing the trade imbalance between India and Russia is a crucial item on the agenda. Despite a strong economic relationship, there has been a notable disparity in the flow of imports and exports, with India frequently importing more from Russia than exporting.

Foreign Secretary Kwatra emphasized the significance of rectifying this issue. The Indian government is actively working to enhance exports to Russia, spanning sectors such as agriculture, industry, pharmaceuticals, and services. This initiative seeks to broaden and strengthen India’s economic presence in Russia, aiming to mitigate the trade gap between the two countries.

ALSO READ | Modi’s visit to Moscow is critical for reassuring Russia and reviving ties

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will assess bilateral relations across various sectors, including defense, investment, energy cooperation, education, and culture.

Prime Minister Modi’s last visit to Russia was in 2019, during which he participated in an economic conclave held in Vladivostok, a city in the Far East.

ALSO READ | PM Modi to visit Russia for Bilateral Summit on July 8-9

According to a report from the Russia-based news agency Tass, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday that the West is closely and attentively monitoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s upcoming visit to Russia scheduled for July 8-9. “They are jealous – that means they are closely monitoring it. Their close monitoring means they attach great importance to it. And they are not mistaken, there is something to attach great importance to,” Peskov was quoted as saying by Tass.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi announced on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin will convene to review the comprehensive spectrum of relations between India and Russia. They will also exchange perspectives on current regional and global issues of mutual interest.

When asked about his discussion with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding Indians stranded in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone, EAM Dr S Jaishankar affirmed that he raised the issue “absolutely, very clearly and strongly.” He expressed concern that several Indians had been compelled to serve with the Russian Army, noting that the full circumstances would only be known upon their return. Dr Jaishankar emphasized India‘s stance that it is unacceptable for its citizens to be involved in military activities of another country in a warzone. He conveyed to Lavrov the necessity for cooperation, highlighting India and Russia’s friendship and partnership. The Foreign Ministry has engaged with the Russian Defence Ministry on this matter, and Dr Jaishankar stressed the need for robust follow-up actions to ensure the safe return of all Indians involved.

During PM Modi’s visit to Russia, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar emphasized the significance of the annual summits between the two countries, despite occasional delays in the past. Highlighting the strong historical ties and the growing economic relationship between India and Russia, he underscored the importance of these summits as a vital mechanism for reviewing and strengthening bilateral relations. Dr Jaishankar also expressed that the upcoming summit would provide an invaluable opportunity for PM Modi and President Putin to engage directly and discuss key issues.

PM Modi and Putin will comprehensively review the broad spectrum of relations between India and Russia, discussing contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the extensive agenda for the high-level visit, noting, “It will be an official visit, but we hope the leaders will also engage in informal discussions.”

Peskov emphasised the strategic partnership status of Russian-Indian relations and confirmed that discussions will include both private meetings at the Kremlin and broader delegation-level talks.

“We anticipate a significant and comprehensive visit, crucial for enhancing Russian-Indian relations,” Peskov stated, as reported by the official Tass news agency.

Modi’s previous visit to Russia occurred in 2019 during an economic conclave in Vladivostok, located in the Far East.

The annual summit between the Indian Prime Minister and the Russian President serves as the highest institutional dialogue mechanism within their strategic partnership.

ALSO READ | PM Modi’s two-nation visit: A comprehensive overview

Vinay Kumar emphasized the significance of PM Modi’s visit following his third term inauguration, stating, “The visit holds great importance. It marks a return after three years, during which time our annual summit-level meetings between the Russian President and Indian Prime Minister have been absent since 2021. Much has evolved globally during this period, and our bilateral relations have also seen significant expansion.”

On July 8, Modi is scheduled to arrive in Moscow in the late afternoon. Putin will host a private dinner for him, during which the two leaders will discuss “regional and global developments of mutual interest,” according to Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

On July 9, Modi’s engagements will include an interaction with the Indian community in Russia and laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Kremlin. He will also visit the Rosatom pavilion at the exhibition venue in Moscow. Following this, there will be restricted-level talks between Modi and Putin, followed by delegation-level discussions. Kwatra noted that discussions are expected to include the issue of early discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army under misleading circumstances.

Later on July 9, Modi will depart for Vienna, Austria.

On July 9 and 10, Modi’s agenda in Austria includes a call on the President of Austria, followed by restricted and delegation-level talks. He will also engage in a high-level business meeting. Additionally, Modi will hold talks with Chancellor Karl Nehammer and interact with members of the Indian community in Vienna.