In a highly anticipated visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday for his inaugural bilateral visit of his third term and his first visit to Russia since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022 and was welcomed very well. The visit carries immense significance, with Modi conveying India's commitment to playing a supportive role in ensuring a peaceful and stable region. The visit also underscores the deepening "special and privileged strategic partnership" between India and Russia in various futuristic areas of cooperation.
PM Modi’s Conferred with Russia’s Highest Civilian Award by President Vladimir Putin
PM Modi’s Meet with President Vladimir Putin
(In Pics)
Visit at the All Russian Exhibition Centre, VDNKh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the All Russian Exhibition Centre, VDNKh, in Moscow, touring the Rosatom Pavilion. The pavilion, inaugurated in November 2023, is one of the largest exhibitions dedicated to scientific and technological advancements.
During their visit, Prime Minister Modi viewed a photo exhibition on India-Russia cooperation in civil nuclear energy and observed the “Atomic Symphony,” a working model of the VVER-1000 reactor which is at the heart of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in India.
The Prime Minister also interacted with Indian and Russian students, encouraging them to explore future possibilities in science and technology for the benefit of future generations and the planet.
The two leaders took in the sights at the exhibition centre with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev conducting their tour of the pavilion, which is a seven-story architectural marvel with three underground levels.
Visit at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit to Russia, paid tribute at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow on July 9. The war memorial, located at the Kremlin Wall, features a dark red porphyry monument with a bronze sculpture of a laurel branch and a soldier's helmet placed upon a banner.
It is dedicated to the Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. By laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Modi saluted the valor, sacrifice, and courage of the soldiers.
Warm Exchanges and Strategic Dialogue
Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Putin’s dacha in the Moscow suburbs of Novo-Ogaryovo. The two leaders, who share a warm personal rapport, exchanged pleasantries before diving into substantial discussions. Putin praised Modi's leadership, acknowledging India's economic growth and demographic dynamism. He said, "Param dost (Dear friend)… You have a lot of ideas. You are very energetic, and you know how to get results for the benefit of India and the Indian people."
In response, Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the democratic strength of India, mentioning the historic mandate his government received for a third term. Modi remarked, “This is such a happy moment that you invited me to your home…I am very grateful for this. India is the mother of democracy, almost 650 million voted in this election…It is the first time in India, over the last 60 years, when the government is re-elected for the third time.”
Addressing the Ukraine Conflict
Modi's visit to Moscow comes at a delicate time, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine placing India in a complex diplomatic position. India has maintained a neutral stance, refraining from condemning Russia outright while advocating for dialogue and diplomacy. During the visit, the Indian delegation is expected to reiterate the message that "a solution cannot be found on the battlefield," a stance that builds on Modi’s previous assertion that "this is not the era of war," a line that gained prominence in the G20’s Bali declaration.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation
The visit aims to bolster economic ties, focusing on energy, trade, manufacturing, and fertilizers. India and Russia have seen their bilateral trade volume soar to an all-time high of approximately $65 billion. Defense and energy cooperation remain pivotal aspects of the relationship, with Modi set to discuss the furtherance of these sectors during his meetings.
Modi's schedule includes a visit to the Rosatom Pavilion and a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier in the Kremlin. The Indian side is also expected to raise the issue of Indian nationals who have been involved in the Russian military efforts in Ukraine, seeking their early discharge and safe return.
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, India has increased its import of Russian oil, buying it at a discount to mitigate the impact of rising crude prices. Despite international criticism, India has defended its actions, prioritizing the needs of its consumers.
Symbolic Significance and Future Prospects
Modi's visit is symbolically significant, occurring as NATO leaders convene in Washington, DC, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the alliance. It reflects India’s strategic maneuvering in a rapidly evolving global landscape. With potential shifts in the US political scenario and Russia's evolving geopolitical stance, India's engagement with Russia seeks to balance its relationships with major global powers.
During the visit, discussions will extend to nuclear energy cooperation, with the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant being a key focus. Two plant units are already operational, with work progressing on additional units. This collaboration highlights the long-term strategic partnership between the two nations in the civilian nuclear sector.
Thank the Indian community in Russia for their warm reception. Addressing a programme in Moscow. https://t.co/q3sPCCESbM — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2024
Modi’s visit to Russia is a significant diplomatic event, potentially influencing the regional and global geopolitical landscape. It underscores India’s nuanced approach to international relations, balancing its strategic interests while advocating for peace and stability.
Inputs by agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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