2024-07-09 23:28:13
Moscow: After taking over the reins of the country for the third consecutive time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to Russia on his first bilateral visit on Monday, July 8. This is the first visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Russia after the war started in Ukraine. During this, vigorous preparations have been made in the Russian capital Moscow to welcome PM Modi. During the two-day visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Along with this, he will also interact with the Indian diaspora on Tuesday. India’s Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar has described PM Modi’s two-day visit to Russia as ‘very important’. According to Sputnik News, Vinay Kumar said that ‘We have a tradition of annual exchange of summit-level meetings between the President of the Russian Federation and the Prime Minister of India and the last meeting took place in 2021. Since then a lot has changed around the world, but our relations have also expanded. ‘ He further said that the two leaders will talk about the progress in bilateral relations and discuss other regional issues of mutual interest.
Russia is an important ally of India
The Indian ambassador also referred to Russia’s role as an important energy partner. He said, “Russia is now one of the very important sources of energy resources in India. Also, trade has expanded in other areas as well. So this visit is very important for the leaders to exchange views on all these developments in bilateral relations.”
However, he refrained from giving details about the issues to be discussed between Modi and Putin. He said that he is not in a position to predict what will be the agenda of the meeting. This will be the 22nd India-Russia annual bilateral summit. The last summit before this was held in New Delhi in December 2021. This is Modi’s first visit to Russia since Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Russia calls it a special military operation.
Preparations for welcoming PM Modi
There are vigorous preparations going on in Moscow for PM Modi’s visit. The city has been decorated like a bride for the welcome. Welcome gates have been built at various places, in which cutouts of PM Modi have been installed. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the Indian community to welcome the Prime Minister. Preparations are also going on for cultural programs.