Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Moscow in the second week of July for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the annual India-Russia dialogue. This meeting is taking place amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, with India advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
India recently participated in peace talks on Ukraine in Switzerland, with Pawan Kapoor, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, representing the country. However, India, along with six other nations, chose not to sign the joint communique, emphasizing the need for inclusive peace efforts involving all stakeholders.
The annual summit between India and Russia has been a longstanding tradition since its inception in 2000 with the signing of the “Declaration on Strategic Partnership.” Meanwhile, there are reports suggesting that Modi might opt out of attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled to take place in Astana in early July. This decision could be viewed as a strategic move in light of regional developments.
The SCO, which includes countries like China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations, is a platform for discussions on various issues, including security, economic cooperation, and regional stability. Modi’s decision not to attend the SCO summit is reportedly due to the ongoing Parliament session.