Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia next week for talks on bilateral ties and regional and global issues. The two-day visit, which starts on Monday, is aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade and economic cooperation.
India’s foreign ministry announced the visit, which comes after Russia indicated that it was likely to occur in July. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, described the visit as “very important.”
During their discussions, Mr. Modi and Mr. Putin will review the progress made in their bilateral ties since their last meeting in 2019 and explore ways to further strengthen their partnership. They will also discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest.
It is worth noting that India plays a significant role in the global energy market as the world’s third-largest crude consumer. The country relies heavily on Russian oil, particularly amid Western energy restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, India increased its purchase of Russian oil by more than 20 times in 2021 due to discounts offered by Moscow.
While India has maintained a neutral stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it has been working to balance its relationships with both Russia and Western nations. The country has been engaging in diplomatic efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region while continuing to pursue its economic interests with both Russia and other nations around the world.
In conclusion, Mr. Modi’s visit to Russia next week is an important opportunity for both countries to deepen their relationship and explore ways to further cooperate on various issues of mutual interest. As one of India’s largest trading partners globally, Russia plays a crucial role in shaping India’s foreign policy agenda, making this visit even more significant for New Delhi’s diplomatic efforts.
