IRIA News

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow during his two-day-long trip to Russia. The visit, Modi’s first to Russia since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, highlighted India’s intent to maintain balancing foreign policy and underscored its strategic autonomy despite U.S. efforts to draw it closer.

In a visit marked by warm displays of closer ties, Modi and Putin showcased their enduring partnership. Modi’s warm embrace of Putin, captured in a widely circulated photograph, highlighted India’s starkly contrasted stance on Russia’s policy towards the U.S. and Europe.

The timing of Modi’s visit to Russia is also significant as the meeting between the two leaders comes at the same time as NATO leaders are gathering in Washington to focus on Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.

This bilateral meeting between Modi and Putting caused widespread dismay in Western capitals and Western media. However, it highlights India’s long-standing policy of non-alignment and strategic independence.

Bilateral Meeting

Upon arriving on Monday evening, Modi met with Putin at the Russian leader’s residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, located in the Moscow region, where they had tea on an outdoor terrace.

“It is a great honor to visit a friend’s home,” Modi said, according to clips released by Russian state media, after he warmly embraced Putin with his trademark hug. Putin congratulated Modi on his recent reelection victory and drove him around his dacha grounds in a golf cart, the official footage showed.

The next day, Putin guided Modi on a tour of an exhibition by Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation. Rosatom officials announced this week that they are in discussions to construct six new nuclear power reactors in India, a rapidly expanding economy with increasing energy demands.

Visited the Atom Pavilion with President Putin. Energy is an important pillar of cooperation between India and Russia and we are eager to further cement ties in this sector. pic.twitter.com/XpLLxrYVQ0

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2024

At a formal meeting with Putin at the Kremlin on Tuesday afternoon, Modi called for “dialogue” to end the fighting in Ukraine and indirectly brought up the hospital attack in Kyiv the previous day. “Anybody who believes in humanity is aggrieved at the loss of life in war or in terror attacks,” Modi told Putin. “Even so, it breaks our hearts to see innocent children get killed.”

“As a friend, I have also said for the brighter future of our next generation, peace is of utmost importance,” Modi said in Hindi, sitting alongside Putin. “When innocent children are murdered, one sees them die, the heart pains, and that pain is unbearable.”

Putin replied: “I am grateful to you for the attention you are paying to the most pressing issues, including trying to find some ways to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, and of course, primarily by peaceful means.”

Modi’s visit to Moscow included discussions on enhancing energy and defense cooperation and reaffirmed India’s reliance on Russian resources. Russian oil imports to India have surged nearly twenty-fold since 2021, and negotiations are underway to increase these imports and expand nuclear fuel supplies for Indian power plants. Rosatom, Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation, is in talks to build six new nuclear reactors in India, reflecting India’s growing energy needs.

In his speech to the Indian diaspora in Russia, Modi emphasized the historical ties between the two nations, describing Russia as a steadfast ally. He announced plans to open new Indian consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg, further strengthening people-to-people connections.

Despite the global backlash, Modi called for dialogue to end the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the tragic loss of life, particularly children, in his discussions with Putin. While condemning the violence, Modi maintained a neutral stance, avoiding direct criticism of Russia’s actions.

Ukraine Disappointed in Modi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned India’s prime minister for visiting Russia, calling the trip a “devastating blow to peace efforts”.

“It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day,” Zelenskyy wrote in a message on social media.

The U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that the U.S. has raised concerns with Indian officials over Modi’s trip to Russia. He urged Modi to emphasize Ukraine’s territorial integrity during his talks in Moscow.

“We would urge India, as we do any country when it engages with Russia, to make clear that any resolution to the conflict in Ukraine needs to be one that respects the UN charter, that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Ukraine’s sovereignty,” he said at a press briefing on.

The timing of Modi’s visit, coinciding with the NATO summit, has been downplayed by Indian officials, who emphasized the pre-scheduled nature of the annual summit. However, the geopolitical implications are significant. Analysts suggest that Modi’s visit serves to balance India’s relationships with both the U.S. and Russia, ensuring that India remains an autonomous player on the global stage.

Strategic Partnership

India’s strategic partnership with Russia, dating back to the Cold War, remains crucial. Despite diversifying its defense procurement, India continues to rely heavily on Russian military hardware. Concerns about delays in supplies, including the S-400 anti-missile defense system, are expected to be addressed during this visit.

The visit also highlights India’s delicate balancing act amidst increasing U.S.-China tensions. By engaging with Russia, India aims to prevent Russia from becoming overly dependent on China, thereby maintaining a multipolar balance.

For Putin, Modi’s visit offers a crucial demonstration of his continued relevance on the global stage. Amid increasing isolation due to the Ukraine conflict, hosting the leader of the world’s largest democracy provides Putin with a significant diplomatic boost. It also allows him to showcase Russia’s strategic partnerships beyond its growing dependence on China.

In summary, Modi’s visit to Moscow is a clear signal of India’s intention to maintain its strategic autonomy, balancing its relationships with both the U.S. and Russia. This approach underscores India’s role as a key player in global geopolitics, navigating complex relationships to safeguard its national interests.