India’s Modi to Visit Moscow: An In-depth Outline
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India is all set to
February 23 to 25, 2023
. This will be his fourth bilateral visit to Russia since
coming into power in 2014
. During this visit, Modi is expected to hold extensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on various key issues that will strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Russia.
Agenda for Discussion:
The agenda for discussion between Modi and Putin is likely to include issues related to
Situation in Ukraine
, the
Syrian Crisis
, and the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are expected to sign several MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) in various sectors.
Importance of the Visit:
This visit assumes significance given the current geopolitical scenario and India’s efforts to diversify its diplomatic and strategic partnerships. Modi’s visit to Moscow also comes in the backdrop of India’s Act East Policy and its growing engagement with ASEAN countries. The visit is expected to further strengthen India-Russia relations, which have been traditionally close and strategic in nature.
Expected Outcomes:
Some of the
India-Russia
relations, a longstanding and significant partnership rooted in history, have witnessed a new surge of momentum in the 21st century. Both nations, separated by thousands of miles, share geographical, cultural, and historical ties that go back to ancient times. This unique bond has been further strengthened by their strategic cooperation on the global stage, especially during the Cold War. However, in recent years, India’s growing economic power and geopolitical ambitions, coupled with Russia’s transition towards a post-Soviet era, have necessitated a reassessment of their bilateral ties.
Recent Visits and Their Significance
In this context, the recent high-level visits between India and Russia, most notably the one by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow in December 2019, assume great importance. During this visit, both leaders held extensive talks on various aspects of their bilateral relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas such as defense, energy, and science & technology. They also issued a joint statement, outlining their vision for the future of India-Russia relations in the evolving global landscape.
Background
Previous meetings between Modi and Putin
The relationship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been an intriguing one, marked by a blend of cooperation and competition. Their first formal meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brasilia, Brazil, in November 2019. During this encounter, they discussed various bilateral issues, including trade, defense, and climate change. A second informal summit followed in Mahabalipuram, India, in October 2019, where the leaders explored ways to deepen their strategic partnership.
Recent developments leading up to the visit
Prior to Modi’s upcoming visit to Russia, there have been significant developments in the India-Russia relationship. In the realm of defense cooperation, the two nations have signed several agreements and conducted joint military exercises to strengthen their strategic ties. For instance, in December 2019, India purchased a S-400 air defense system from Russia, despite potential U.S. sanctions. Additionally, in February 2020, the two countries conducted a joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating their military collaboration.
Energy partnerships
Another critical aspect of the India-Russia relationship is energy cooperation. Russia has been a major supplier of energy to India, with natural gas being a significant component. In January 2020, the two nations signed an agreement for the supply of additional natural gas from Russia to India. Furthermore, there have been discussions regarding the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a controversial project that aims to transport natural gas from Russia to Europe via the Baltic Sea. India has expressed interest in purchasing a stake in this pipeline, but the U.S. opposition remains a significant hurdle.
I Agenda for the Visit
Officially confirmed topics of discussion
During the upcoming diplomatic visit, there are two major subjects that have been officially confirmed for discussion between the delegations. These topics are of great significance to both parties and include:
Defense cooperation and strategic partnership
The first topic revolves around defense cooperation and strengthening the overall strategic partnership between the two nations. This is a crucial aspect of international relations, as it helps to ensure peace and stability in the region. The delegations are expected to discuss potential areas of collaboration in military training and exercises, technology exchange, joint research and development projects, and more.
Economic ties, including energy and trade agreements
The second officially confirmed topic for discussion is economic ties, with a particular focus on energy and trade agreements. With the global economy evolving at an unprecedented rate, it is essential for nations to explore opportunities for collaboration that can lead to mutual economic benefits. The delegations are expected to discuss potential agreements on energy cooperation, trade liberalization, and investment opportunities in key sectors.
Possible areas of collaboration that may be discussed
In addition to the officially confirmed topics, there are several possible areas of collaboration that may be discussed during the visit. These areas could lead to innovative partnerships and long-term benefits for both nations:
Space exploration and technology transfer
Space exploration is an area where there is significant potential for collaboration between the two nations. The delegations may discuss space exploration and technology transfer, with a focus on joint research projects, satellite collaborations, and the development of new technologies.
Cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts
Lastly, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts are an essential aspect of international relations. The delegations may discuss potential initiatives in this area, such as exchange programs for students and professionals, cultural events, and the establishment of sister cities or twinning agreements. These collaborations can help foster greater understanding and cooperation between the two nations, leading to lasting and meaningful relationships.
IV. Expected Outcomes of the Visit:
Defense Cooperation
The upcoming visit by the President of Russia to India is expected to yield significant outcomes in various areas of cooperation between the two nations. A key focus area will be defense cooperation, which has been a cornerstone of their relationship for several decades. In this regard,
joint production of military equipment
is expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Russia and India have a long-standing defense partnership, with India being the largest buyer of Russian military hardware. The joint production of defense equipment will not only strengthen their strategic ties but also create economic opportunities for both countries. Another important aspect of defense cooperation is
military training and joint exercises
. The two militaries have been conducting regular joint drills, which help to enhance interoperability and strengthen the strategic partnership.
Economic Cooperation
Economic cooperation is another crucial aspect of the Russia-India relationship, and the visit is expected to result in several significant deals. In the
energy sector
, Russia is India’s largest supplier of crude oil, and the two countries are expected to discuss the purchase of more Russian crude oil. India has also shown interest in Russia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, which could be a game-changer for India’s energy needs. Moreover, the visit is expected to lead to
expansion of bilateral trade and investment opportunities
. India’s economy is growing rapidly, and Russia can leverage this growth to increase its presence in the Indian market.
Strategic Partnership
The strategic partnership between Russia and India is set to deepen further during the visit. In the context of
regional security issues
, both countries share concerns over issues such as Afghanistan and Central Asia. Russia has been working closely with India to ensure stability in the region, and the two countries are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen their cooperation. Another important area of cooperation is
climate change and sustainable development initiatives
. India and Russia have been collaborating on various projects in this area, and the visit is expected to result in the announcement of new initiatives.
Implications for India and Russia
Benefits for India
- Strengthening its strategic partnership with a major power: The QUAD summit marks an important milestone in India’s foreign policy, strengthening its strategic partnership not only with the US but also with other major powers like Australia and Japan. The growing relationship between India and these countries will help balance the power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Access to advanced military technology and expertise: One of the significant benefits India stands to gain from this partnership is access to advanced military technology and expertise. This collaboration will enable India to modernize its armed forces, bolstering its defensive capabilities against potential threats in the region.
Benefits for Russia
- Reinforcing its position as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region: Despite the recent tensions with the US and its allies, Russia remains an essential power in the Indo-Pacific region. By participating in multilateral forums like the QUAD, Moscow can demonstrate its relevance and influence, ensuring that it remains a part of regional discussions.
- Exploring new economic opportunities and diversifying trade partners: The QUAD partnership offers Russia an opportunity to explore new economic collaborations with India, the US, Australia, and Japan. Strengthening economic ties with these countries can help Moscow reduce its dependence on China and diversify its trade partners.
VI. Conclusion
The
upcoming visit
of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia holds immense significance for the bilateral relations between India and Russia. This visit,
marking the 20th anniversary of the India-Russia Summit in Moscow
, is expected to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Recap of the importance
The importance of this visit lies in the long-standing historical, cultural, and economic ties that exist between India and Russia.
Both nations
have shared common goals and values, particularly in the areas of defense and security cooperation, energy, science and technology, and space exploration. The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both leaders to discuss these issues in depth and identify new areas of cooperation.
Anticipated outcomes
The
anticipated outcomes
of this visit are numerous and far-reaching. Some of the key areas that are likely to be addressed include:
Deepening defense cooperation
Defense and security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the India-Russia relationship. The visit is expected to result in significant agreements in this area, including the sale of Russian S-400 Triumf air defense systems to India and joint military exercises.
Expanding energy cooperation
Russia is India’s largest supplier of oil and gas, and the two countries have a long history of energy cooperation. The visit is expected to result in new agreements and initiatives in this area, including the exploration of new oil and gas fields and the development of renewable energy sources.
Strengthening economic ties
Despite their strong historical and cultural ties, India and Russia have not been able to fully realize their economic potential. The visit is expected to result in new initiatives to boost trade and investment between the two countries, including the establishment of a bilateral trade committee and the signing of a free trade agreement.
Addressing regional and global challenges
India and Russia share common concerns regarding regional and global challenges, including terrorism, climate change, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The visit is expected to result in new initiatives to address these challenges, including closer cooperation on counter-terrorism measures and joint efforts to combat climate change.
Significance in geopolitical context
The significance of the visit extends beyond the bilateral relationship between India and Russia. In the current geopolitical context, where global power dynamics are shifting and new challenges are emerging, the visit is expected to send a strong message of India’s commitment to multilateralism and its role as an active player in the international community. The visit is also expected to strengthen India’s ties with other key players in the region, including China and the United States.
