Moscow: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday for a two-day visit, where he was warmly welcomed by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Manturov’s personal reception and escort of PM Modi to his hotel in the same car highlighted Russia’s deepening commitment to its relationship with India.
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This gesture, notably from the highest-ranking Russian official beneath President Putin himself, contrasts sharply with China’s recent reception of President Xi Jinping, where a lower-ranking Deputy Prime Minister was tasked with the welcome.
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India and Russia have maintained a strong alliance since the Cold War era, with Russia historically being India’s largest arms supplier. However, geopolitical tensions, particularly stemming from the Ukraine conflict, have impacted Russia’s military exports to India in recent years. Despite this, India has become a crucial market for Russian oil, contributing significantly to Moscow’s revenue amidst economic challenges.
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PM Modi’s visit, his first to Russia since 2019, comes as India navigates a delicate balance between its enduring partnership with Moscow and its expanding security collaborations with Western nations. The grand reception extended by Russia underscores India’s enduring importance as a strategic partner amid evolving global dynamics.
