"Of great significance"! Modi is reported to visit Russia
According to a report on the Indian Express website on June 26, New Delhi and Moscow are discussing arrangements for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia from July 8 to 9. Sources said that both sides are preparing for a possible visit, but neither has officially confirmed the visit.
According to India's "Forum" report on the 25th, Modi will pay a "quick one-day visit" to Moscow on July 8.
The report pointed out that this will be Modi's first visit to Russia since the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Given that India has adopted a smooth diplomatic policy in dealing with relations with Moscow and the West against the backdrop of hostility between Moscow and the West, this visit is of great significance.
Modi last visited Russia in 2019, when he travelled to Vladivostok to attend the 20th annual India-Russia summit.
"I can confirm that we are preparing for the visit of the Indian prime minister," the Press Trust of India quoted a Kremlin official as saying.
According to the report, Ushakov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said in response to a reporter's question: "The specific date will be determined by negotiation between the two sides. But we are actively preparing. I will emphasize again that this visit will take place."
New Delhi has been maintaining a diplomatic balance between Russia and Ukraine over the past two years. Although New Delhi has not explicitly condemned Russia, it has called for an international investigation into the Bucha incident and expressed concern about nuclear threats issued by Russian leaders. In the UN Security Council, India has taken a delicate stance, abstaining from voting on several resolutions against Russia.
The visit will be a separate visit from the annual bilateral summit between the two leaders, which has been held annually since 2000 by the Indian prime minister and the Russian president, the highest level of institutionalized dialogue in the India-Russia strategic partnership.