From Bilateral Talks to India’s Agenda in Moscow: Key Areas to Watch During PM Modi’s Russia Visit

New Delhi, India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday, expressing his commitment to deepen the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" between India and Russia. Welcomed by Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, PM Modi was greeted with a ceremonial guard of honour at the airport.

"Landed in Moscow. Looking forward to further deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our nations, especially in futuristic areas of cooperation," PM Modi tweeted upon arrival. 

PM Modi’s pre-departure statements

Ahead of his departure from India, Modi emphasized India's role in fostering regional stability and highlighted the significant strides made in bilateral relations over the past decade. 

"The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has advanced across multiple sectors," stated PM Modi, outlining progress in energy, security, trade, investment, and more.

"I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin," Modi added, setting the stage for substantive discussions during his visit.

PM Modi’s agenda 

During his two-day visit, Modi's focus is squarely on enhancing bilateral ties with Russia, particularly in energy, trade, and defence sectors. 

This visit marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first trip to Russia since 2019, coinciding with new geopolitical dynamics following the onset of the Ukraine conflict and occurring within his third term as Prime Minister.

Upon arrival at Hotel ‘The Carlton’ in Moscow, PM Modi was warmly greeted by members of the Indian diaspora, who celebrated his visit with traditional dandiya dances.

Private dinner hosted by President Putin 

President Putin hosted a private dinner for PM Modi on Monday evening, setting the stage for substantive talks at the 22nd India-Russia summit scheduled for Tuesday. 

Following his visit to Russia, PM Modi will embark on a historic journey to Austria, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over four decades.

Flags of India and Russia projected on Ostakino TV tower

One of Moscow’s landmarks, the Ostankino TV tower, was lit up in the colours of the flags of India and Russia on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day high-profile visit to the Russian capital to hold summit talks with President Vladimir Putin.

Rising to 1,771 feet (540m), the Ostankino TV Tower is the world’s 4th tallest and Europe’s highest of its kind. The tower was erected in 1967 by the well-known Soviet engineer, Nikolai Nikitin.

As the highest free-standing building in Russia, it is a renowned symbol of Russian broadcasting, as well as a famous landmark and a must-visit destination in Moscow.