Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Russia next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin, India’s foreign ministry said on Thursday.
The official visit on July 8-9 comes shortly after Modi’s re-election. The two leaders are expected to discuss the further development of friendly ties between Russia and India, as well as international and regional political issues, the Kremlin press service said.
Russian media described Modi’s visit as a special sign of appreciation for India-Russia relations.
Russia, rich in natural resources, is a major energy supplier to India. Revenue from Russian oil sales, which India receives at a discount because of the Western embargo on Moscow, helps finance Putin’s war on Ukraine.
Indian middle way
The visit is Modi’s second foreign trip after his re-election as prime minister, having attended the G7 summit in Italy in mid-June.
While Western powers have largely supported Ukraine in the war, India has remained neutral. Modi last visited Russia in 2019. Putin did not attend last year’s G20 summit in Delhi and was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Later this year, Russia will host a summit in the city of Kazan for Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (the so-called BRICS countries) and a number of other countries. Modi has also been invited.
Further journey to Vienna
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Modi’s travel plans. He will then travel to Austria, where he is expected on July 9-10. It is the first time in 41 years that an Indian prime minister has visited the country, the ministry said.
Modi is received by President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
In Moscow and Vienna, Modi is also expected to meet members of the local Indian community.
