New Delhi: Amid the raging war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Russia in July to discuss bilateral relations and to attend the annual India-Russia summit. Marking PM Modi's first visit to the country in five years, it will also see discussions on defense, oil, gas, and other Indian strategic interests, according to top government sources.
While there is no confirmation from the Indian side, if the visit takes place, it will be PM Modi's first trip to Russia since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Modi last met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Uzbekistan in 2022, where he told Putin that today’s era is “not of war”.
Putin was sworn in as the President of Russia for the fifth consecutive time in May this year, while Narendra Modi took the oath as Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term on June 9.
The bilateral ties have remained strong despite repeated sanctions on Moscow from Western governments. New Delhi has repeatedly abstained from votes condemning Russia at the United Nations and has avoided public criticism of Moscow’s war in Ukraine. India is hugely dependent on Russia for several defense procurements given its ongoing tensions at its border with China.
| US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell expressed "some concerns" regarding India's collaboration with Russia in the military and technology sectors. even as he highlighted that Washington maintains confidence and trust in New Delhi to enhance cooperation in important areas. |
