Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s standalone state visit to Moscow on July 8 and 9 to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to revitalize the perceived “drift” in India-Russia relations, according to experts. The visit aims to enhance strategic, economic, and military ties between the two nations.
The Modi-Putin discussions will emphasize the significant rise in India-Russia trade, primarily due to India’s increased oil imports from Russia. The leaders are expected to address payment issues resulting from Western sanctions and build on previous conversations about the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route. They will also aim to finalize the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), which will facilitate more defense exchanges between the two countries.
This visit marks Modi’s first trip to Moscow since 2015 and signifies a return to the long-standing annual India-Russia summit tradition. Modi and Putin have met several times over the years, including at international forums and during bilateral visits. The break in regular summitry, initially due to COVID-19 and rapidly changing international circumstances, underscores the importance of this visit in reversing any perceived drift in bilateral relations.
Former Ambassador to Moscow, Venkatesh Verma, emphasized the timeliness of the visit, stating that it is crucial to recharge the strategic partnership between India and Russia. The visit will send a clear signal to the international community about the strong and enduring ties between the two nations.
While the final details of Modi’s visit are still being finalized, advance teams from the External Affairs Ministry and security officials are in Moscow making necessary arrangements. The visit, likely to be Modi’s first bilateral visit abroad in his third term, positions Russia on par with India’s closest neighbors, traditionally the destinations for the first visits by Indian Prime Ministers. This move also signals to Western countries, including the U.S. and Europe, that India intends to maintain a balanced approach in its international relations, despite the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Modi’s visit to Moscow will allow him to gain a firsthand account of the situation in Ukraine and discuss sensitive issues, such as the recruitment of Indians as Russian military “helpers,” which India opposes. The discussions will also focus on accelerating the supply of defense hardware and spares that have been delayed due to the war. Nandan Unnikrishnan, a scholar and distinguished fellow at ORF, highlighted that the visit could help alleviate concerns about waning political ties and allow the leaders to resolve pending issues.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Modi’s visit aligns perfectly with Russia’s strategic foreign policy. Lavrov noted that about 60% of India-Russia trade is now settled in national currencies, despite both countries’ economic engagements with the West. This shift demonstrates a strategic choice by India and China to deepen their economic ties with Russia.
Indian and Russian officials are also discussing increased investments in the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor and in Siberia, with India aiming to source minerals from Russia. Challenges such as insurance and negotiations with transit ports, particularly in China, need to be addressed to make this route more effective than other options like the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow is expected to strengthen the India-Russia strategic partnership, address key economic and military issues, and signal India’s commitment to maintaining balanced international relations. This visit is a crucial step in recharging the longstanding ties between the two nations and resolving pressing bilateral concerns.
