Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday for talks with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin. The visit signals the Indian president's determination to maintain an independent foreign policy course even as the West continues to isolate Russia over its war with Ukraine.
For Putin, Modi's visit is a chance to show Russia that the Kremlin maintains a strong partnership with India, even as India deepens its ties with the United States. India's discounted purchases of Russian oil are helping to fill Russian coffers depleted by international sanctions over the war, and Russia is trying to portray India as a partner in rebuilding a Western-led world order.
This is Modi's first visit to Russia in five years. Upon arrival, he was given a red carpet welcome at Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport, where he was greeted by a Russian military band and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis V. Manturov.
In a message posted on social platform X after his arrival, PM Modi said he looked forward to deepening the "special and strategic partnership" between India and Russia, noting that closer ties "will greatly benefit our peoples."
PM Modi arrived on a day when Russia launched brutal airstrikes, including an attack on the country's largest children's hospital in Kiev. The attack drew condemnation from the West and is likely to put India-Russia relations in sharp focus.
The South Asian country became a major buyer of cheap Russian crude at a time when Western sanctions limited Russia's sales and pricing options in the international market. India is building a huge nuclear power plant with technical assistance from Russia. Russia is also India's largest arms supplier, making the relationship crucial for India, which has long needed to secure its borders from China.
Tuesday's meeting in Moscow coincides with the first day of a high-level summit of NATO leaders in Washington. During the NATO meeting, the Western allies are expected to unveil additional air defense systems for Ukraine, assuring the alliance's long-term commitment to Kiev's security.
India and Russia have been partners for many years.
Ahead of Modi's visit, Indian officials told reporters in New Delhi that the meeting between Modi and Putin was "very important" but stressed that ties with Russia were not aimed at third parties. They also sought to downplay the timing of the meeting.
"I don't want to read any more into its significance other than to say that we attach great importance to this annual summit," Indian Foreign Minister Vinay Mohan Kwatra said at a press conference on Friday.
