Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia this week, highlighting India’s commitment to pursuing an independent diplomatic approach amidst the global isolation of Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine.
For President Putin, the visit from Prime Minister Modi signifies a reaffirmation of the strong partnership between Russia and India, especially as India has expanded its ties with the United States, the world’s fifth largest economy. India’s significant purchases of discounted Russian oil have provided crucial support to Russia amid international sanctions, emphasizing the mutual economic benefits between the two nations.
This visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s first trip to Russia in five years. He is expected to arrive in Moscow on Monday, where he will attend a dinner hosted by President Putin. The agenda for their discussions on Tuesday includes topics such as trade, energy cooperation, and military relations.
India’s reliance on Russian oil has grown substantially due to restrictions imposed by Western nations, with India emerging as a key buyer for Russian petroleum. The strategic partnership extends to the energy sector, with Russia assisting India in constructing large-scale nuclear power plants. Moreover, Russia remains a pivotal supplier of arms to India, a crucial aspect of India’s defense strategy given its border disputes with China.
The meeting between Modi and Putin coincides with a high-profile NATO summit in Washington, where Western allies are expected to announce increased support for Ukraine, including additional air defense systems and long-term security commitments. Despite the timing, Indian officials have stressed that the discussions with Russia are not aimed at any specific third party and have underlined the significance of the bilateral relationship.
