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Prime Minister Bilateral Visit to Russia
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia on July 8-9, 2024, marking his first bilateral visit after being sworn in for a third term.
Background:
- Historical Relations: India-Russia relations span seven decades, with strong ties dating back to the Soviet era.
- Importance: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia underscores the critical importance of India-Russia ties, particularly in energy and defence sectors. New Delhi aims to strengthen this partnership while ensuring that China does not influence the bilateral relationship.
- Significance: This visit breaks the tradition of visiting neighbouring countries first, highlighting the importance India places on its relationship with Russia.
Russia-India Relation:
Strategic Importance:
- Defence Cooperation: Russia remains a key supplier of India’s defence equipment, with 60-70% of India’s defence inventory of Russian/Soviet origin.
- Major Defence Deals: Agreements include S-400 missile systems, MiG-29 fighters, Kamov helicopters, and licensed production of T-90 tanks, Su-30MKI fighters, and BrahMos missiles.
- Joint Development: Defence cooperation has evolved to include joint R&D, co-development, and joint production.
Economic and Trade Relations:
- Oil Trade: India has been buying discounted Russian oil, leading to a surge in bilateral trade, which reached $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24.
- Trade Imbalance: Efforts are being made to address the trade imbalance, with India aiming to increase exports to Russia.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges:
- Cultural Cooperation: Programs include cultural and film festivals, youth exchanges, and language promotion.
- Educational Exchanges: Enhanced cooperation between educational institutions in both countries.
Key Discussion Points:
- Economic Agenda: Focus on energy, trade, production, and fertilisers.
- Ukraine Conflict: Modi likely to reiterate that a solution cannot be reached on the battlefield, advocating for peace and dialogue.
- Trade Proposals: Efforts to enhance trade in consumables, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and services.
Multilateral Cooperation:
- UN and Multilateral Foram: High-level political dialogue at the UN, with support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
- G20 and BRICS: Continued cooperation within these platforms, emphasising the importance of multilateralism.
Strategic Outcomes:
- Defence Assurance: Ensuring regular supply of equipment and spares from Russia and preventing the transfer of sensitive technologies to China.
- Scientific and Technological Research: New areas of cooperation with tangible outcomes in scientific research and technology.
Diplomatic Issues:
- Indians in Russia-Ukraine War: Addressing the issue of Indians recruited into the conflict, seeking their discharge.
- Connectivity Projects: Discussions on projects like the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.
Diplomatic Balancing Act:
- Ukraine Conflict: India maintains a neutral stance, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy. Modi emphasised that “this is not the era of war” to Putin.
- Western Relations: The visit comes after a series of meetings with Western leaders, showcasing India’s strategic balancing between Russia and the West.
This visit reaffirms the enduring and expanding partnership between India and Russia, emphasising the multifaceted cooperation and strategic importance of the relationship in a multipolar world order.