PM Modi Russia Visit: PM Modi Russia Visit: China is a country that can befriend or befriend anyone depending on the opportunity. It is doing the same with India and Russia. China is getting closer to Russia so that Russia distances itself from India, but this is not so easy, because the history of friendship between Russia and India is very old. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a visit to Russia. China is furious after meeting Putin. America is also not far behind, it is also worried seeing the friendship between the leaders of the two countries.
On one hand, China tries to pull Russia towards itself, while America imposes sanctions on it, but India has always remained neutral, which is also liked a lot all over the world. After the Ukraine attack, the friendship between Russia and India has become stronger, because despite all the sanctions from America, India continued to buy oil. Meanwhile, the friendship between China and Russia is also increasing.Â
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… then India will become closer to America
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin chose China for his first foreign visit in his new tenure. Putin was given a red carpet welcome in China. Chinese President Xi Jinping also promised a new era of partnership with Putin. However, experts are questioning the depth of the relationship between America’s 2 most powerful rivals and its economic impact. From the beginning of the Ukraine war, there was a discussion that the growing alliance of China and Russia would derail the friendship between Russia and India and this would hurt India’s national interests. Because of this, India will reach a weaker position in front of the threat of China. On the other hand, in the triangular dimension of Russia and India, China has no special option but to accept the deep relations between India and Russia. If it does not do so, then it will lose Russia in the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific. India will again become closer to America.Â
Will Russia stand with Russia in a war between China and India?
There is a border dispute going on between China and India. When Russia is giving all kinds of benefits to India, questions are raised in China about its intentions. Whether it is India getting the technology of fourth generation tank from Russia or India being included in every initiative of China and Russia. Whether it is Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) or activities in the Far East. Some observers in China also raise the question that if a big war breaks out between India and China in the future, then with whom will Russia stand? Because there is no border, no hatred, no complaints, no disputes between India and Russia, then this friendship can remain intact.
Therefore, China will not spoil the relations between Russia and India
China is worried that many countries of Europe are being attracted towards the Indian Ocean. America and India so that they can participate in it. India is taking a lot of interest in re-establishing Russia’s role in the Indo-Pacific region. China is also aware of this. However, the Ukraine war has postponed such situations for the time being. Despite this, the naval exercises of Russia and America have rung alarm bells in China, so China wants to maintain good relations with Russia. However, it does not want to harm the relations between Russia and India. Because Russia sees its relations with India as its last remaining lifeline in the current international situation. China knows that if the relations between Russia and India deteriorate, that too due to China’s interference, then India will reduce buying weapons from Russia. Then it will buy more weapons from America and other western countries. Due to this, India and western countries will come closer, which will be harmful for China. If India and America, the biggest enemy countries of China, come closer, then it will suffer losses.Â
What is on the agenda of Modi’s visit to Russia?
PM Modi will try to divert Russia’s attention from China. For this, the PM also has a comprehensive agenda, which includes many important issues like bilateral trade, economic relations, defense. Both leaders can discuss each other’s mutual concerns and current global issues. Apart from these, there can be talks between the two leaders on correcting India’s trade imbalance with Russia, talks on the delivery of S-400 air defense system, release of Indian citizens in the Ukraine war, new trade routes.
China is facing problems due to S400 missile air defense system
PM Modi can also talk to Russia about the S400 missile air defense system. India had made a deal with Russia in 2018. The delivery was to be done in 2023, but the supply got delayed due to the Ukraine war. India buys the most weapons from Russia, followed by France and then America. At the same time, Russia’s state-run defense company Rostec is manufacturing Mango missiles in India. This is also irking China. After the deal is finalized, India’s military power will increase further.
When PM Modi went to Russia, after President Putin, in the order of precedence comes the First Deputy PM. After him comes the Second Deputy PM. On reaching Moscow, PM Modi was welcomed by Russia’s First Deputy PM Denis Manturov. He accompanied PM Modi from the airport to the hotel. While Jinping was welcomed by the Second Deputy PM. In this way, PM Modi was given more respect in Moscow than the Chinese President. This gives a clear message that how important India’s support is for Russia. Also, how much importance Russia gives to its relations with India.
Why is Modi being given so much importance?
There is only one country in the world which stood strongly with Russia in times of crisis. That is India. After starting the war with Ukraine, sanctions were showered on Russia. The West also intimidated the countries having relations with Russia. Everyone was scared of the pressure of sanctions, but India was not afraid. India did not abandon Russia even in times of crisis. Russia which was fighting a war with Ukraine was in a difficult situation for some time. It needed money. Everyone was afraid of America in buying oil from it. Then India was the only country which fulfilled its needs by continuously buying oil. Russia’s income and revenue increased due to India’s purchase of oil.Â
An attempt to send a strong message to China
The recent Western sanctions to isolate Russia have brought Moscow closer to China. Beijing has increased bilateral trade with Russia to a record level. Experts say that India wants to give Russia every opportunity so that Russia can be prevented from going completely into China’s camp. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has also said that Western countries are jealous of the fact that Modi has chosen Russia for his first bilateral visit after becoming PM for the third time.
PM Narendra Modi received the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, which is the highest civilian honour of the Russian Federation.
Briefing –
1- Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: India’s deepening ties with Russia through Modi’s visit bolster regional stability and counterbalance China’s influence.
2- Military Cooperation: Enhanced defense collaborations between India and Russia, including advanced weapon systems and joint exercises, challenge China’s regional dominance.
3- Economic Alliances: Bilateral trade agreements and energy partnerships between India and Russia diminish China’s economic leverage in the region.
4- Diplomatic Maneuvering: Joint diplomatic efforts on global platforms and united stances on international issues undermine China’s assertive diplomacy.
5- Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Enhanced cultural exchanges and educational ties foster mutual understanding, reducing China’s ability to sow division among regional allies.
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PM Modi Russia Visit: What is the significance of PM Modi’s visit to Russia?
