India's PM Modi visits Russia, meets Putin

MOSCOW,— Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the enduring strength of India-Russia relations, grounded in “mutual trust and mutual respect.”

Speaking in Moscow on Tuesday, Modi lauded Russian President Vladimir Putin’s leadership, underlining the robust partnership between the two nations.

Addressing the Indian diaspora during his first visit to Russia in five years, Modi’s remarks come at a time when global attention is focused on a NATO summit in Washington, expected to center on the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Despite the coincidental timing, a senior Indian foreign ministry official clarified that Modi’s visit aligns with the pre-scheduled series of summits between India and Russia.

Modi asserted that “Indians see Russia as a reliable friend, standing by them in both prosperous and difficult times,” He highlighted the resilience of the India-Russia relationship, appreciating Putin’s role in sustaining this alliance. Historically, Russia has been India’s primary supplier of military equipment, a bond that traces back to Soviet times.

The West, particularly the United States, has been courting India as a strategic counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region. However, New Delhi and Western nations have shown divergent perspectives on the Ukraine war. On Monday, the U.S. State Department expressed concerns about India’s ties with Russia, especially in light of India’s significant purchases of discounted Russian oil amidst the conflict.

Modi’s arrival in Moscow was warmly received by Putin, who referred to Modi as a “dear friend” and expressed happiness at their meeting, as reported by Russia’s TASS news agency. This cordial exchange occurred shortly after a tragic missile strike in Kyiv, which claimed at least 41 lives, including those at a hospital.

In a poignant social media post, Modi shared an image of himself embracing Putin, which drew a sharp rebuke from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky described it as a “huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts,” condemning Modi’s interaction with Putin amid the conflict.

The scheduled talks between Modi and Putin in the Kremlin on Tuesday are set to focus on securing more affordable energy supplies and enhancing economic and strategic cooperation. The discussions aim to bolster bilateral trade, targeting a substantial increase to $100 billion by 2030.

In a notable shift, Modi addressed the tragic death of children in Ukraine, expressing profound sorrow. “Whether it is war, conflict, or a terrorist attack, any humane person is grieved by the loss of lives. But when innocent children are killed, the pain is deeply terrifying,” he said. This marked a rare instance of a public figure, viewed as an ally by Russia, implicitly rebuking Putin over the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine has reported recovering fragments of a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile from the Kyiv hospital hit in the recent attacks, which resulted in the death of 44 Ukrainians, including four children. Russia, however, claimed—without evidence—that a Ukrainian anti-missile system caused the strike.

Modi’s earlier criticism of Russia’s actions dates back to September 2022, when he told Putin that “today’s era is not an era of war,” a statement acknowledged by Putin at the time. Nevertheless, India has refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion outright and has capitalized on the opportunity to import substantial amounts of discounted Russian oil, filling the void left by Western sanctions.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who accompanied Modi, emphasized India’s intent to deepen energy ties, hinting at potential deals with Russian oil giants like Rosneft. The discussions also included plans to increase Russian coal sales to India.

In their joint statements, both nations outlined ambitious plans for closer cooperation, including the development of the Northern Sea Route through Arctic waters and collaborative efforts in space exploration. These initiatives underscore the multifaceted and enduring nature of India-Russia relations, navigating the complexities of global geopolitics.

(With files from Reuters)