Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday for a two-day visit, marking his first trip to Russia since it deployed troops to Ukraine.
Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at his residence near Moscow, with additional discussions planned at the Kremlin on Tuesday. Modi’s last visit to Russia was in 2019 for a forum in Vladivostok, followed by a meeting with Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Uzbekistan in September 2022.
Modi shared photos of his Moscow arrival on social media platform X, expressing his anticipation of further strengthening the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia.
“Stronger ties between our nations will greatly benefit our people,” Modi wrote, including a picture of him and Putin embracing.
Videos from the Kremlin showed the two leaders at Putin’s Novo-Ogaryovo residence, where Putin drove Modi around the estate in a buggy and showcased his horse stable. They also watched a horse show featuring performers in traditional Russian attire.
Modi thanked Putin for his hospitality on X and expressed hope that Tuesday’s talks would “cement the bonds of friendship between India and Russia.”
India and Russia have maintained strong ties since the Cold War, with India’s significance as a trading partner growing since Russia’s military action in Ukraine began in February 2022. Following Western sanctions that limited Russia’s market access, China and India became key buyers of Russian oil. Analysts report that over 40% of India’s oil imports now come from Russia.
Under Modi’s leadership, India has refrained from condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, instead advocating for a peaceful resolution.
D. Bala Venkatesh Verma, a former Indian ambassador to Russia, highlighted India’s concern over Russia’s growing ties with China amid Beijing’s regional assertiveness. Nonetheless, Modi aims to maintain close relations with Russia, a major defense supplier to India.
With Russia’s defense industry focusing on Ukraine, India is diversifying its defense procurements, sourcing more from the U.S., Israel, France, and Italy. Bajpaee emphasized that defense cooperation remains a priority, as 60% of India’s military equipment is of Russian origin. Delays in spare parts deliveries due to the Ukraine conflict are also being addressed through potential military logistics agreements.
Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, remarked that Putin’s global interactions demonstrate Russia’s ongoing relevance on the world stage. Trade development, particularly the proposed maritime corridor between Chennai and Vladivostok, will be a significant focus of the talks.
India-Russia trade has surged, nearing $65 billion in the 2023-24 financial year, driven by robust energy cooperation, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Imports from Russia accounted for $60 billion, while Indian exports reached $4 billion. Kwatra noted efforts to balance trade by boosting Indian exports, which include pharmaceuticals, telecom instruments, iron and steel, marine products, and machinery. Key imports from Russia include crude oil, coal, pearls, fertilizers, vegetable oil, and precious metals.
