Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is travelling to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin next week, the Indian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
The official visit on July 8 and 9 comes shortly after Modi’s re-election. The two leaders are expected to discuss further developing the friendly ties between Russia and India, as well as international and regional political issues, according to the Kremlin press service.
Russian media have described Modi’s visit as a special sign of appreciation for India’s relations with Russia.
Russia, rich in raw materials, is an important energy supplier for India. The income from Russian oil sales, which India receives at a discount given the Western embargo on Moscow, helps Putin finance his war on Ukraine.
Indian middle ground
The visit will be Modi’s second overseas trip after his re-election as prime minister, having attended the Group of Seven summit in Italy in mid-June.
While Western powers are mainly backing Ukraine in the war, India has remained neutral. Modi last visited Russia in 2019. Putin did not attend the G20 summit in Delhi last year and was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Later this year, Russia is set to host a summit for Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa – known as the BRICS countries – plus others in the city of Kazan, and Modi is also invited.
Onward trip to Vienna
The Indian Foreign Ministry confirmed Modi’s travel plans. He is then due to travel on to Austria, where he is expected on July 9 and 10. It is the first time that an Indian prime minister has visited the country in 41 years, the ministry said.
Modi is to be 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.
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