Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an important diplomatic visit to Russia. This visit holds substantial global significance as it marks Modi’s first visit to Russia after being re-elected as Prime Minister.
International political commentators believe the growing closeness between India and Russia is a noteworthy development with potential global implications.
On the other hand, the West has not well-received the strengthening ties between India and Russia. The United States is a significant global power amid a highly anticipated presidential election.
The leadership of Joe Biden is encountering substantial challenges, while former President Donald Trump is gaining increasing support. Consequently, the United States is currently preoccupied with its upcoming election, and some international issues might not receive the attention they warrant.
Modi’s Russian visit and political activism in the West
India has gained greater prominence on the world stage in recent years, largely thanks to Narendra Modi’s leadership and political vision.
His ambitious policies and active engagement in global politics have bolstered India’s standing as a significant world power.
This has led to strained relations with Western countries, particularly the United States, due to India’s close alignment with the Russian President.
A particular focus on Ukraine
There are reports that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss Ukraine and China with the Russian President during his visit to Russia.
Before the start of the Russian visit, the Indian government stated that India desired to work with foreign countries with a friendly policy.
India also believes that the development and progress of the world cannot be achieved through hostile activities.
According to the invitation of Russian President Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on this visit based on the same policy.
Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow on the 8th. The Indian government also reported that the two leaders discussed the relations between the two countries at length. Following his visit to Russia, Prime Minister Modi left for Austria.
Meanwhile, India and America have discussed the co-production of anti-tank missiles for the needs of the Indian Army.
The joint production of these missiles was discussed during a visit to India by a group of high officials from the American government.
The Indian media had reported that India and America are now focusing on expanding their cooperation, including the joint production of military equipment.
Regional security and Indian prospect
India has been receiving special attention in terms of regional security. The Chief of the Indian Navy recently visited Bangladesh for a four-day official visit to discuss bilateral defence relations and explore new avenues for naval cooperation.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia, he addressed the issue of Indians caught in the Ukraine-Russia war. This was the first diplomatic-level discussion between India and Russia on this matter.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had previously discussed this with the Russian Foreign Minister, and now Prime Minister Modi and the Russian President have also engaged in diplomatic discussions.
They have requested the immediate repatriation of Indians who have joined the Russian army in the conflict, and it’s been reported that the Russian President has responded positively to this request.
Additionally, Russian and Indian leaders have discussed the preparations for a potential invasion of Taiwan by China.
China has accused the United States of strengthening Taiwan against China by providing them with weapons, leading to an unstable situation in the Asian region.
China maintains that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory and that the “One China” policy is widely accepted.
This issue is also vital for India, given its focus on regional security. Therefore, it is likely that Russian and Indian leaders have also discussed this matter.
The need for China and India’s friendship
India has recently expressed its intention to develop a balanced and stable relationship with China. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that such a relationship lays a strong foundation for the world’s future.
China has also highlighted the mutual interest in building a stable relationship with India and creating an environment conducive to peace and development in the region and the world.
There is a growing potential for an India-Russia-China relationship, with leaders acknowledging its necessity.
Western countries, including the United States, feel uneasy about these developments. Therefore, the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Russia is a highly significant event that could potentially initiate a new global dynamic.
It is important to recognise that such visits may lead to breakthroughs in global dynamics, as friendships can develop and evolve rapidly.