In a display of warm diplomatic ties, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed eagerness to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, scheduled for October 22–24, 2024. During a meeting with India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, on September 12 at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, Putin reaffirmed the close relations between Russia and India, underscoring the importance of ongoing cooperation and dialogue between the two nations. This meeting comes at a time when both nations are playing vital roles in the global geopolitical landscape, including efforts towards peace in Ukraine.
Putin’s Warm Words for Modi
In his meeting with NSA Doval, Putin described Prime Minister Modi as “a good friend,” recalling fondly Modi’s previous visit to Moscow. He highlighted the success of that visit, noting the importance of the agreements that were reached, which continue to strengthen the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two countries. Putin remarked, “I remember Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Moscow very well and I must say that this visit was not only successful, but the work done as a result of it is very important.”
This sentiment demonstrates the personal bond that Putin feels with Modi, which has become a hallmark of Russia-India relations. Modi’s leadership, particularly his role in enhancing India’s stature on the global stage, has won praise from Putin, who stated, “We are also proud of the successes India has achieved in strengthening its nation and developing its economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.”
The proposed bilateral meeting in Kazan is expected to build on this understanding, focusing on key areas of mutual interest including security, economic cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy within BRICS and beyond.
Russia-India Relations: A Strategic Partnership
Russia and India share a long history of diplomatic ties, characterized by mutual respect and cooperation across multiple sectors, from defence and energy to trade and technology. The strategic partnership between the two countries has only deepened in recent years, as evidenced by the continued dialogue on matters of global security and peace. During his meeting with Doval, Putin thanked the Indian side for maintaining open and constructive communication on security issues.
This conversation between Putin and Doval further underlined the importance of security in the bilateral relationship. Putin stated, “The issue of security has always been our priority, and it will remain our priority in future too.” This remark highlights Russia’s acknowledgment of India’s critical role in global security discussions, including efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine.
Ukraine Peace Efforts and India’s Role
The timing of the Putin-Doval meeting is particularly significant given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin, in recent weeks, has acknowledged that countries like India, China, and Brazil could potentially play pivotal roles in facilitating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. A preliminary peace agreement, discussed early in the conflict during talks in Istanbul, has been referenced by Putin as a possible starting point for future negotiations.
In his meeting with Doval, Putin expressed his interest in hearing about Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine. Doval shared details of the visit and conveyed Modi’s readiness to share insights from his conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to reports, Modi has been actively engaged in dialogue with global leaders, including Putin, to explore pathways toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Modi and Putin have discussed the Ukraine issue several times, most recently in a phone call in August 2024, where they covered Doval’s visit and its potential implications for peace negotiations. Modi’s stance on the Ukraine conflict has been one of balanced diplomacy, advocating for dialogue and de-escalation, while also maintaining India’s neutrality on international platforms.
The Upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan
The BRICS Summit in Kazan, where Modi and Putin are expected to meet, is seen as a crucial event for both leaders to engage in deeper discussions on global issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, global economic cooperation, and regional security. BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a significant platform for dialogue among emerging economies. It offers a forum for member nations to collaborate on addressing challenges such as global financial instability, climate change, and geopolitical tensions.
Putin, while inviting Modi for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit, stressed the importance of the summit itself, saying, “We are waiting for Prime Minister Modi” in Kazan. He proposed that the meeting would be an opportunity to “summarize the outcomes of joint work on the implementation of the agreements” reached in prior meetings and to “outline prospects for the near future.”
For Russia, India remains a key partner within BRICS and beyond, especially as Moscow continues to face Western sanctions and isolation in the wake of the Ukraine war. For India, maintaining strong ties with Russia is a strategic necessity, given its reliance on Russian defence equipment and energy resources, as well as its desire to remain a significant player in global diplomatic efforts.