PM Modi in Moscow, all eyes on private dinner meet with President Putin

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Moscow on the 8th of July to kick off his official two-day visit, all eyes will be on the private dinner that is being hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the day.

Giving a sense of the nature of the conversation, Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar said that dialogue will focus on trade, economic and investment cooperation, and connectivity.

It is also expected that Modi and Putin might also discuss the Ukraine issue.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told TASS news agency that the agenda for Modi’s visit will be extensive, with opportunities for both formal discussions and informal talks between the leaders.

Before leaving for Russia, Modi had hailed the “special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia.”

Modi's visit comes amidst growing proximity between China and Russia, which has grown even closer since the sanctions were announced on Moscow in the wake of the Ukraine war.

India has so far not condemned Russia in its Ukraine war, and has also been the second-largest buyer of Russian gas, after China. Though there have been pressures from the West, New Delhi has parried off criticism and has continued to buy more gas.
After concluding his engagements in Russia on July 9, Modi will leave for Austria in the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to that country in over 40 years.

The focus of the Modi-Putin summit talks are expected to be on further boosting bilateral cooperation in trade, energy and defence. The Ukraine conflict is set to figure in the discussions.

"The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past 10 years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges," Modi said in his departure statement.

"I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues," he said.

"We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region," he said without making any specific references.

New Delhi has been stoutly defending its "special and privileged strategic partnership" with Russia and maintained the momentum in the ties notwithstanding the Ukraine conflict.

India has not yet condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine and consistently pitched for resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

The prime minister said the visit will also provide him an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia.

The Indian prime minister was accorded a guard of honour at the airport. He was welcomed outside his hotel by a group of Russian artists who danced to the tune of Hindi songs.

Putin will be hosting a private dinner for Modi late in the day ahead of the 22nd India-Russia summit in Moscow that is scheduled to be held on 9th of July.