PM Modi Russia Visit: What is the significance of PM Modi’s visit to Russia, what will be discussed with President Putin today?

PM Modi Russia Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Russia for the first time after Russia’s attack on Ukraine. PM Modi was given a grand welcome on his arrival in Russia. However, questions are being raised on the timing of this visit. This is a time when Russia’s war with Ukraine is still going on even after two years and Western countries are also keeping an eye on PM Modi’s visit. PM Modi has chosen such a time for his Russia visit, when an important NATO meeting is to be held. Despite the possibility of Western countries being angry, when PM Modi has gone to Russia, one thing is clear that his visit is very important for India. PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks today in the 22nd India-Russia summit. 

Earlier met in Uzbekistan 

In the year 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India and PM Modi was to visit in 2022. However, the war started in Ukraine and this visit could not take place. Since 2000, 21 summits have been held between the two countries. PM Modi and Putin met each other over dinner on Monday. Earlier in 2022, the two met during the SCO summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

If we look at global relations, this is not a big gap, but considering the friendship between India and Russia, it can be called a big gap. On the other hand, Russian President Putin has met Chinese President Xi Jinping twice in two months. In such a situation, this visit of PM Modi holds significance. 

The trip was necessary to control China 

The friendship between Russia and India is very old. Whenever we have needed it, Russia has always been the first to extend its friendship. In such a situation, India does not want to let its most trusted friend go to someone else’s camp, especially when China’s relations with Russia are touching new heights. China is the only country in the world with which India’s relations are tense, while Russia’s relations are much better.

Since the Ukraine war, China has openly supported Russia and the relations between the two countries have become very strong. In such a situation, India does not want to let its friend Russia go to China’s camp. India is constantly challenged by China’s expansionist policy on its borders. In such a situation, India would definitely want Russia to control China with its influence. Any kind of conflict with China is not good for India’s fast growing economy. 

There is also an economic reason for PM Modi’s visit 

In 2014, PM Modi and Putin had their first summit and a target of $30 billion trade and $50 billion bilateral investment was set for 2025. At that time, the trade was less than $10 billion. However, it has increased tremendously in the last few years. In the financial year 2024, it reached around $66 billion. However, India has imported goods worth $62 billion in this.

During this visit, PM Modi will try to balance the trade. Also, there can be talks on increasing exports in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, chemical products as well as energy. India makes payments in rupees. In such a situation, the top leadership can also talk about this surplus amount. 

India’s defence needs will also be discussed with Putin 

During PM Modi’s visit, there can be talks between the two countries on issues ranging from global security to the Ukraine-Russia war. Along with this, talks can also move forward on defense deals between PM Modi and Putin.  

India is also considering buying fighter planes. In such a situation, talks can be held on the deal of fighter planes with Russia. Both the countries can reach a conclusion on buying the fighter jet SU-57. At the same time, an agreement can also be reached on the factory of Mango armor-piercing tank round.

The top leadership of both the countries can also move forward on resuming the supply of S-400 missiles. In 2018, an agreement was made to give five S-400s to India. Of these, three have been supplied and two are still pending. A military logistics agreement can also be signed. Along with this, both the countries can also come together to develop fifth generation fighter aircraft.