Modi and Putin Meet in Moscow: A Look at the Key Issues

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 23, 2022, for their first face-to-face meeting since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. This meeting, the 21st between the two leaders since Modi’s 2014 election, was the subject of much international attention, with observers eager to gauge the current state of India-Russia relations.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics discussed:

1. Energy Security and Trade: India’s reliance on Russian energy imports has been a major talking point in recent months. While India maintains a neutral stance on the war in Ukraine, its energy needs have led to increased oil and gas purchases from Russia, drawing criticism from some Western countries.

• Fact: India’s oil imports from Russia have increased by 50% since the start of the war, with Russia now supplying over 20% of India’s oil needs.

The meeting saw both leaders emphasizing the importance of bilateral trade, with discussions focusing on diversifying trade channels and exploring new areas of cooperation.

2. Defense Cooperation: India and Russia have a long history of strategic partnership, particularly in the defense sector. The meeting focused on strengthening this cooperation, with both sides expressing their commitment to further develop joint ventures and explore new technology partnerships.

• Fact: India is the largest buyer of Russian military equipment, with agreements worth billions of dollars in place for various weapon systems.

3. Regional Security and Global Issues: The meeting also covered broader geopolitical issues, including regional security concerns, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the impact of global events on the international order.

• Fact: India has been a vocal advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict and has called for a cessation of hostilities.

Moving Forward: While the details of the meeting remain largely confidential, it is clear that India and Russia are committed to maintaining and strengthening their strategic partnership. The meeting highlighted the importance of bilateral relations, particularly in the face of global challenges.

This meeting signifies a pivotal moment in India-Russia relations, demonstrating the resilience of their partnership and its ability to navigate complex international dynamics. The coming months will reveal the extent to which the discussions translate into concrete actions and how these developments shape the geopolitical landscape.