PM Modi's Russia Visit Begins Tomorrow: Key Agenda Items

Last Updated on 08/07/2024 by wccexam Desk

Table of Contents

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day official visit to Russia starting July 8th, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. This will be Modi’s first trip to Russia since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. The visit holds significance as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.

The main agenda items during PM Modi’s talks with President Putin are:

1. Reviewing Bilateral Ties

The 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to review the entire range of multifaceted relations between the two countries. This includes areas such as defence, investment, energy cooperation, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

2. Discussing Regional and Global Issues

PM Modi and President Putin will exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest. This is likely to include the ongoing Ukraine conflict and its implications.

3. Deepening Trade and Economic Cooperation

Kremlin has indicated that deepening trade and economic cooperation will be one of the key themes of the meeting. India’s trade deficit with Russia has widened to $57 billion in FY24, with Moscow becoming New Delhi’s largest source of crude oil imports. The issue of ‘imbalanced’ trade will be a priority during the talks.

4. Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers and Logistics Issues

Trade and economic issues, including non-tariff barriers and payments and logistics-related issues, are expected to be discussed[3]. The two countries will explore ways to boost economic ties.

5. Discharging Indian Nationals from Russian Army

The issue of early discharge of Indian nationals who have been misled into the service of the Russian Army is expected to figure in the discussions. The government is working to ensure their safe return.

PM Modi’s Itinerary in Russia

July 8

PM Modi will arrive in Moscow in the late afternoon.
President Putin will host a private dinner for PM Modi in the evening. The two leaders will share perspectives on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

July 9

PM Modi’s interactions will include a face-to-face meeting with the Indian community in Russia.
He will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Kremlin.
PM Modi will visit the Rosatom pavilion at an exhibition venue in Moscow.
Restricted-level talks between the two leaders will be followed by delegation-level talks led by PM Modi and President Putin.

Significance of the Visit

The annual India-Russia summit is taking place after three years, and India attaches great importance to it. The visit is crucial for strengthening the traditionally amicable relations between the two countries.

Kremlin has expressed that it is expecting a ‘very important and full-fledged visit’ by PM Modi to Moscow. The programme in Moscow will be extensive, and the two leaders will have informal talks as well.

PM Modi’s Austria Visit

After concluding his Russia trip, PM Modi will travel to Austria on July 9th. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to a European nation in 41 years, after Indira Gandhi in 1983.

In Austria, PM Modi will call on the President and hold restricted and delegation-level talks, as well as a high-level business engagement. He will also hold talks with Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

Also Check

Ahead of the visit, PM Modi said that the shared values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law form the bedrock upon which the two countries will build an ever-closer partnership. The visit marks a significant milestone as India and Austria celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.

PM Modi’s Russia visit comes at a crucial time, as the two countries navigate the changing geopolitical landscape. The talks are expected to provide strategic guidance to further strengthen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

The visit also underscores India’s independent foreign policy and its commitment to maintaining relations with traditional partners like Russia while pursuing new partnerships. As the world’s largest democracy, India’s voice carries weight in global affairs.

The outcomes of the talks, particularly on economic cooperation and regional security, will be closely watched. The visit is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Russia, built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect.

PM Modi’s Russia Visit Begins Tomorrow: Key Agenda Items