In a significant diplomatic move during his two-day visit to Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested the release of Indian soldiers serving in the Russian military amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This marks PM Modi’s first trip to Russia since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi was welcomed by Russia’s first deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov, highlighting the importance of his visit; Manturov holds a higher rank compared to the deputy PM who received the Chinese President during his visit. Manturov also accompanied Modi from the airport to his hotel, signifying the warm reception and the significant diplomatic ties between India and Russia.
During the visit, Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express that strengthened relations between India and Russia would “significantly benefit the citizens of both countries.” The visit, which is his first to Russia after a five-year hiatus, comes at a critical time as both leaders look to deepen ties amid global geopolitical shifts.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in June said that at least four Indian nationals, including a 30-year-old from Hyderabad serving in the Russian Army, had been killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Furthermore, in April, the MEA reported that among the Indian nationals working as support staff in the Russian Army, ten had returned to India.
The discussions during Modi’s visit are part of the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit where the two leaders will “assess the entire spectrum of multifaceted relations” between their nations and “exchange perspectives on current regional and global issues of mutual concern,” as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
Adding a personal touch to the high-stakes diplomacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Modi at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence, expressing his happiness at the reunion by greeting him as his “dear friend.”
According to Russia’s TASS state news agency, Putin was “very happy” to see Modi and mentioned, “Our official talks are tomorrow, while today, in this comfortable, cosy setting, we can probably discuss the same issues, but unofficially.”
The Russian president also offered Indian Prime Minister tea, berries, sweets, and a motorized cart tour of the grounds, setting a relaxed tone ahead of their formal discussions.
