Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow this evening, marking his first visit to Russia since the onset of its campaign in Ukraine. He was welcomed at the airport by Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Upon arrival, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia. He is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin tomorrow.

This visit highlights PM Modi's delicate balancing act between preserving India's long-standing relationship with Moscow and fostering closer security ties with Western nations. It is also his first visit to Russia since securing a third term in office.

Before departing India, PM Modi stated, "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. We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region."

Russia remains a crucial supplier of discounted oil and weapons to India. In recent years, Western powers have also strengthened their ties with India to counter China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region, while urging India to distance itself from Russia.

PM Modi last visited Russia in 2019, and hosted President Putin in Delhi in 2021, shortly before Russia's offensive against Ukraine began. The historical ties between India and Russia date back to the Cold War, with Russia being India's primary arms supplier for a significant period. However, the conflict in Ukraine has strained Russia's arms supply, leading to a decrease in its share of Indian arms imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Concurrently, India has emerged as a major purchaser of Russian oil, providing a vital export market for Moscow after being cut off from traditional European buyers. This shift has significantly reshaped energy relations, enabling India to save billions of dollars while supporting Russia's war finances.

India's month-on-month imports of Russian crude rose by eight percent in May, reaching the highest levels since July 2023, as reported by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

Following his visit to Russia, PM Modi will travel to Vienna, marking the first visit to the Austrian capital by an Indian leader since former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's visit in 1983.