PM Modi’s Moscow Visit: 5 Key Areas to Watch Closely

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Moscow marks a significant moment in India-Russia relations. While the two countries have enjoyed a strong strategic partnership for decades, recent global shifts and geopolitical tensions have added new layers to their relationship. Here are five key areas to watch closely during PM Modi’s visit:

1. Energy Security:

India’s reliance on Russian oil has been steadily increasing, particularly after the Ukraine conflict. With Europe phasing out Russian oil imports, India has become a crucial market for Russia. According to the International Energy Agency, India’s oil imports from Russia jumped from 2% in 2021 to 18% in 2022. During the visit, expect discussions on increasing energy cooperation, including potential discounts on oil prices and long-term supply agreements.

2. Military and Defence Cooperation:

India and Russia have a long history of military collaboration, with India acquiring a significant portion of its defense equipment from Russia. This includes the S-400 Triumf missile defense system, which has attracted US sanctions. The visit could see further discussions on joint military exercises, co-development of defense technologies, and possible acquisition of new weapons systems.

3. Trade and Investment:

India and Russia are aiming to boost bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2025. Watch for announcements on new trade agreements, investment opportunities, and collaborations in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and infrastructure. Recent years have seen a decline in bilateral trade, but this visit could be a stepping stone towards revitalizing economic ties.

4. Regional Security and the Ukraine Conflict:

The ongoing Ukraine conflict has put India in a delicate position. While India has refrained from outright condemnation of Russia, it has also called for a peaceful resolution and expressed concerns about the humanitarian crisis. The visit presents an opportunity for PM Modi to engage with President Putin on the situation in Ukraine and discuss potential avenues for peaceful resolution.

5. Cooperation on Multilateral Platforms:

Both India and Russia are active members of various international organizations, including the BRICS, SCO, and UN. The visit could see discussions on coordinating positions on key global issues like climate change, terrorism, and reform of multilateral institutions. The two countries could also explore opportunities for joint initiatives in these platforms.

Overall, PM Modi’s visit to Moscow promises to be a significant event in shaping the future of India-Russia relations. While facing challenges in the current global landscape, the two countries have a shared history of cooperation and a strong strategic partnership that offers potential for meaningful collaboration on key issues of mutual interest.

Keywords: PM Modi, Moscow visit, India-Russia relations, energy security, military cooperation, trade, investment, Ukraine conflict, regional security, multilateral platforms, BRICS, SCO, UN.