PM Modi Likely To Visit Russia Next Month To Hold Summit-Level Talks With Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Moscow in the second week of July to hold summit-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The visit for the annual India-Russia dialogue comes against the backdrop of the two-and-a-half-year-long Ukraine conflict, during which New Delhi has repeatedly urged the warring sides to choose the path of diplomacy.

India recently participated in peace talks on Ukraine in Switzerland, sending Pawan Kapoor, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, to represent the country. India and six other nations, opted out of signing the joint communique, saying peace requires ‘bringing together all stakeholders’.

READ MORE: India, 6 Others, Opt Out Of Joint Statement Of Ukraine Peace Talks, Held In Russia’s Absence

The annual summit between India and Russia has been a tradition since its inception in 2000 when the “Declaration on Strategic Partnership” was signed. This visit comes amid reports that Modi could potentially skip the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit slated to be held in Astana in the first week of July. Modi’s decision to skip could signify a strategic move amid regional developments.

The SCO, comprising countries like China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations, serves as a platform for discussions on security, economic cooperation, and regional stability. Modi’s decision not to attend the SCO summit is attributed to the ongoing Parliament session.

READ MORE: PM Modi Likely To Skip SCO Summit In Kazakhstan Next Month, Jaishankar To Represent India

For decades, Russia has been India’s biggest supplier of defence equipment. However, in recent years, India has signed multi-billion dollar defence deals with Europe and the USA to help diversify and incorporate advanced technologies. India-Russia bilateral trade is on the rise and since the Ukraine conflict broke out it has seen a significant jump, reaching a record high and hovering near $50 billion.

Amid criticism from Western media, New Delhi has maintained that its decision to purchase discounted Russian oil and fertilizers is based on national interest. This move has also positioned India as Russia’s largest oil and fertilizer supplier.