Prime Minister Narendra Modi started a significant diplomatic journey to Russia on Monday, marking his first international trip since the onset of Moscow's conflict with Ukraine.
Shortly after landing in Moscow, Modi said he is looking forward to deepening bilateral partnership in futuristic areas and that stronger ties between India and Russia will "greatly benefit our people".
The two-day visit is crucial as it seeks to bolster bilateral ties, focusing on energy, trade, and defence cooperation through summit talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Modi was received at the Vnukovo-II airport by Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
The Russian first deputy minister also accompanied the Indian prime minister to his hotel from the airport in the same car, officials said.
Manturov had received Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Russia as well.
The visit marks Modi's first to Russia since 2019, spotlighting its importance amid geopolitical shifts.
"Landed in Moscow. Looking forward to further deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our nations, especially in futuristic areas of cooperation," Modi said on 'X'.
"Stronger ties between our nations will greatly benefit our people," he said.
President Putin hosted a private dinner for Modi ahead of their scheduled talks at the 22nd India-Russia summit.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted Modi's agenda, stating, "PM is set to hold substantive discussions with President Vladimir Putin to advance the special partnership between the two countries. He will also engage with the Indian community in Russia."
Modi was accorded a guard of honour at the airport, followed by a warm reception outside his hotel where Russian artists performed to Hindi tunes and the popualar indian traditional dance 'Garba' symbolising cultural exchanges between the nations.
In his departure statement, Modi articulated India's stance on regional stability, affirming, "We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region."
Post his engagements in Russia, Modi will embark on a trip to Austria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over four decades.
The Modi-Putin summit is anticipated to enhance bilateral cooperation amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict. Discussions are slated to encompass trade diversification, energy security, and strategic defence partnerships, with a focus on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
"The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has witnessed significant advancement over the past decade, encompassing energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges," Modi reiterated, citing the breadth of their collaboration.
Ahead of his departure, Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Russia and Austria, countries with longstanding friendships with India.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov outlined the comprehensive agenda for the talks, spotlighting both formal discussions and informal interactions between the leaders.
In addition to bilateral issues, Modi is expected to address concerns regarding the recruitment of Indian nationals as support staff in the Russian military, pointing out their safe repatriation.
The annual India-Russia summit serves as a cornerstone of their strategic partnership, alternating between New Delhi and Moscow. The last summit held in December 2021 resulted in the signing of 28 MoUs and agreements, underlining their commitment to "India-Russia Partnership for Peace, Progress, and Prosperity."
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin last engaged in bilateral talks on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September 2022.
During this meeting, Modi urged Putin to seek a resolution to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue, emphasizing the era's need for peace over conflict.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Modi has maintained active diplomatic engagements with both Russia and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy through telephonic conversations, advocating for peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
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