Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Energy, defense, diplomacy are at risk on Modi’s Russia visit


(MENAFN) As Russia faces unprecedented Western sanctions, the nation eagerly anticipates the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his first visit since 2019 when he attended the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. This visit underscores the long-standing alliance between India and Russia, a partnership that has endured since the initiation of annual summits in October 2000 during President Vladimir Putin's visit to India. The last summit occurred in December 2021, when Putin met Modi in New Delhi for their ninth meeting.

Modi's upcoming trip is significant as it represents his first bilateral visit to Russia during his third consecutive term and coincides with Putin's fifth term in office. Importantly, this marks Modi's first engagement with Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict three years ago. Despite a shifting geopolitical landscape, the friendship between India and Russia has shown remarkable resilience, with both nations supporting each other even amid divergent views.

However, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has intensified existing challenges in their relationship. Both India and Russia are navigating their ties with the United States and China, which adds complexity to their bilateral dynamics. The structural rivalry between the US and China further complicates these interactions.

For Russia, sustaining close ties with India is essential amid its ongoing conflict with the West and its increasing reliance on China. Conversely, India seeks to maintain strategic cooperation with Moscow while carefully balancing its relationships with Western powers. As Modi embarks on this pivotal visit, the stakes are high for both nations in terms of energy, defense, and diplomacy.

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