Introduction
In July 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, his first trip to the country since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022. The visit holds strategic importance, not only for bilateral ties but also in the context of changing global alliances, energy security concerns, and defense cooperation.
Modi’s engagement with President Vladimir Putin came at a time when India continues to balance its historical ties with Moscow while strengthening relations with the West. The visit also signaled that India intends to maintain its strategic autonomy while playing a proactive role in shaping the global geopolitical narrative.
Key Highlights of the Visit
🤝 Meeting with President Putin
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PM Modi met President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
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The leaders discussed wide-ranging issues including defense trade, nuclear cooperation, regional security, and counter-terrorism.
📄 Joint Statement Issued
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A joint declaration emphasized:
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Respect for international law and UN Charter
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Strengthening of bilateral military-technical cooperation
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Commitment to multipolar world order
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📌 Symbolism
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The visit showcased India’s non-alignment in action, with Modi being one of the few major world leaders to visit Russia during its geopolitical isolation by the West.
Defense and Strategic Cooperation
India and Russia have a long history of defense collaboration.
🔫 Defence Deals Discussed
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Discussions included:
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Timely delivery of spare parts for Russian-origin military equipment in India
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Co-production of AK-203 rifles
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Final phase of S-400 missile system delivery
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🛡️ Joint Exercises & Military Dialogue
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Emphasis on continuing Indra military exercises
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Agreement to enhance collaboration in military training and defense R&D
⚔️ Strategic Significance
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Despite India’s increased defense imports from Western nations, Russia remains its largest arms supplier, providing about 45% of India's military equipment.
Energy Security and Oil Diplomacy
India has significantly increased its purchase of discounted Russian crude oil since 2022, despite Western sanctions on Moscow.
🛢️ Oil and Gas Cooperation
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PM Modi thanked Russia for ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies
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Discussions were held on:
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Long-term energy agreements
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Joint ventures in Arctic energy projects
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Use of Indian Rupees and alternative currencies for trade settlements
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⚡ Nuclear Energy
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India and Russia reaffirmed cooperation on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (Units 5 & 6)
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Future projects under discussion include small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear fuel supply chains
Trade and Economic Engagement
Bilateral trade between India and Russia touched $65 billion in 2023–24, mostly driven by energy imports.
📈 Key Trade Discussions
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Agreement to diversify trade beyond oil to sectors like:
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Pharmaceuticals
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Agriculture and food products
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Machinery and chemicals
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💱 Local Currency Trade
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Focus on overcoming challenges in payment settlement due to sanctions
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Proposed mechanisms to expand Rupee-Ruble trade and reduce dependency on U.S. dollar
🚢 Connectivity Projects
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Review of International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) progress
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Discussions on involving Chabahar Port to enhance India-Russia trade connectivity via Iran
Geopolitical Implications
India's engagement with Russia during the war in Ukraine raised questions globally.
🌍 Strategic Autonomy Reinforced
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India reaffirmed its independent foreign policy
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Modi’s message was clear: dialogue is preferred over isolation
🕊️ Ukraine War
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While India has not condemned Russia, it has consistently called for:
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Respect for sovereignty
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Peaceful negotiations
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Diplomatic solutions
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🧭 Balancing the West and Russia
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The visit came weeks after PM Modi's participation in:
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G7 Summit
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Quad Summit (with U.S., Japan, Australia)
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India is clearly playing balancer diplomacy, maintaining ties with both Russia and Western powers.
Public Diplomacy and Cultural Ties
🎭 Indian Diaspora Engagement
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PM Modi addressed the Indian community in Moscow, celebrating cultural ties
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He invited Russian citizens to explore India for tourism, Ayurveda, and yoga
📚 Education and Scholarships
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Discussions to boost academic exchange programs
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Proposal for setting up a Russian-Indian University
Criticisms and Counterpoints
While the visit was largely welcomed in India, some critics highlighted:
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The optics of engaging with Russia during wartime
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Challenges India may face in Western diplomatic circles
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Risks of overdependence on Russian military hardware
However, government officials emphasized that India's national interest and strategic autonomy remain the guiding principles.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2024 visit to Russia was not just a bilateral event — it was a statement. A statement that India will engage with the world on its own terms, led by pragmatism, strategic depth, and an unwavering focus on national interest.
The visit cemented India’s position as a key global player capable of diplomatic balancing, economic self-interest, and constructive engagement. Whether it's in energy, defense, trade, or peace dialogues, India continues to show that it can walk the tightrope of global geopolitics with confidence and clarity.
As the global order continues to shift, India’s diplomacy — as reflected in this visit — is shaping not just its own future, but also contributing to a more multipolar, balanced, and cooperative world.