Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Russia on Monday, between maintaining a long-standing relationship with Moscow and strengthening ties with Western security partners. This marks Modi's first visit to Russia since its military campaign in Ukraine began and his first international trip since being re-elected as the leader of the world's most populous country.
"I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues," Modi stated. "We aim to support a peaceful and stable region."
Russia remains a crucial supplier of affordable oil and weapons to India. However, its growing isolation from the West and increasing alliance with China have affected its traditional partnership with New Delhi. In recent years, Western nations have also built closer ties with India to counterbalance China's rising influence in the Asia-Pacific, pressuring India to distance itself from Russia.
Modi last visited Russia in 2019 and hosted Putin in New Delhi in 2021, just before Russia's offensive against Ukraine began.
"Indian Prime Minister Modi arrived in Russia on an official visit," state media agencies confirmed on Monday afternoon.
India has avoided directly condemning Russia and has abstained from United Nations resolutions criticizing Moscow. However, the conflict in Ukraine has also impacted India directly.
In February, New Delhi urged the Kremlin to repatriate some Indian citizens who had signed up for "support jobs" with the Russian military, following reports that some were forced to fight and were killed in Ukraine.
Moscow's strengthening ties with China have also raised concerns. The United States and the European Union accuse China of supplying components and equipment that bolster Russia's military industry, accusations that Beijing denies.
China and India are strategic rivals in South Asia. India is part of the Quad alliance with the US, Japan, and Australia, countering China's assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific.
Historically, Russia has been a major arms supplier to India since the Cold War. However, the conflict in Ukraine has strained Russia's arms supplies, prompting India to seek alternative sources, including bolstering its own defense industry. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia's share of India's arms imports has significantly declined in recent years.
Conversely, India has become a significant buyer of Russian oil, providing Moscow with an essential export market after being cut off from traditional buyers in Europe. This shift has saved India billions of dollars while supporting Russia's war economy.
India's imports of Russian crude oil increased by eight percent in May, reaching the highest levels since July 2023, according to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. However, this surge in imports has also widened India's trade deficit with Russia to over $57 billion in the past financial year.
Following his visit to Russia, Modi will travel to Vienna, marking the first visit to the Austrian capital by an Indian leader since Indira Gandhi in 1983.
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