Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Moscow next week, marking his first visit since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This trip underscores the deepening relationship between India and Russia, even as India maintains strong ties with the United States.
Modi will be in Moscow on July 8 and 9, following an invitation from President Vladimir Putin, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. During the visit, they will discuss “contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest.”
Reports of Modi’s visit first surfaced last month through Russian state media, citing Kremlin officials.
India remains significantly dependent on Russia for military equipment, a crucial aspect given India’s ongoing tensions with China along their shared Himalayan border. Additionally, India has increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil, providing a financial boost to Russia amid its growing isolation from the West.
Modi’s visit is seen as a challenge to Western efforts to isolate Putin.
The India-Russia relationship dates back to the Cold War and has remained strong despite ongoing Western sanctions on Moscow. New Delhi has consistently abstained from UN Security Council votes condemning Russia and has avoided publicly criticizing Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
