Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Russia on 8th July for the 22nd Indo-Russian Annual Summit, marking his first visit to the country in nearly five years. The leaders last met in September 2022 at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan. During his two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi aimed to strengthen bilateral ties across crucial sectors such as energy, trade, and defence.
Upon landing at Moscow’s Vnukovo-II airport, PM Modi was received by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Modi expressed his anticipation for deepening the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia, emphasizing futuristic areas of cooperation for mutual benefit.
The Indian Prime Minister received a ceremonial guard of honour at the airport and a warm welcome from members of the Indian community and Russian artists outside the Carlton Hotel in Moscow. Symbolizing the bilateral warmth, the Ostankino Tower, Europe’s tallest freestanding structure, was illuminated with the colours of the Indian flag in honour of Modi’s visit.
Before departing New Delhi, Modi stated he looked forward to “reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues”. He added: “We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region.” He underscored the significant advancements in the India-Russia strategic partnership over the past decade, spanning energy, security, trade, investment, health, education and cultural exchanges.
Ahead of holding the 22nd India-Russia Summit, President Putin hosted Modi for a dinner at his country home in the suburb of Novo-Ogaryovo. During the Summit, the two leaders will assess the entire spectrum of multifaceted relations between their nations and exchange perspectives on current regional and global issues of mutual concern, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on Thursday.
Following the summit in Russia, Modi will visit Austria, marking the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over forty years. He aims to elevate bilateral ties with Austria in innovation, technology, and sustainable development, leveraging shared values of democracy and pluralism.
Modi’s itinerary in Austria includes meetings with President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Karl Nehammer, and engagements with business leaders to explore new trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, he plans to interact with the Indian community in Austria, further cementing cultural and people-to-people ties. “Austria is our steadfast and reliable partner and we share the ideals of democracy and pluralism,” Modi said in the statement.
