Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s choice of Russia for his first foreign visit after assuming the post of Prime Minister for the third time and meeting with President Putin is being closely watched by his Western allies.
Russian Bombing:
Narendra Modi arrived in Russia on Monday after at least 41 people were killed in the Russian bombing in Ukraine just hours earlier. A children’s hospital in Kyiv was among the targets of the Russian bombing, which was followed by international condemnation of the attack.
However, in the pictures that emerged from Moscow, Narendra Modi was seen hugging the Russian President. A video has also gone viral in India in which a smiling Putin calls Narendra Modi ‘my best friend’ and says he is ‘very happy’ to see him.
This is Narendra Modi’s first two-day visit to Russia since 2019, but the visit comes at a time when Russia’s attack is one of the main topics discussed at the NATO summit in Washington. It will be the case.
India, which has become a major global economic power, maintains close ties with Western allies including Russia as well as the United States, and officials in Delhi are not giving much weight to questions raised during Narendra Modi’s visit.
These officials say that the annual meeting in Russia is part of a long strategic partnership that has nothing to do with the NATO meeting.
However, the concern expressed by the US has added a sour element to this story. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has asked Narendra Modi to raise the issue of Ukraine’s border integrity and sovereignty during his visit.
Matthew Miller also said that the US has expressed concerns diplomatically over India’s relationship with Russia. It was built against the Soviet Union after World War II.
NATO countries have opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while India and Narendra Modi have avoided criticizing Putin. They have only talked about resolving the conflict through negotiations and diplomacy.
In a press briefing on Monday, Matthew Miller said, “We will urge India, as we urge any other country in talks with Russia, to make it clear that any resolution of the Ukraine conflict is a UN resolution.” should be under the Charter, which takes into account the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.’
On the other hand, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his views openly. He wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that it is very disappointing and a blow to peace efforts that the head of the world’s largest democracy embraces the world’s bloodiest criminal on such a day. putting on.’
Experts believe that Narendra Modi’s importance to Russia is not surprising and the relationship goes far beyond defense deals.
India has also joined the alliance of the US, Japan, and Australia in what is seen as an effort to counter China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific.
Indian officials say that during the visit, Narendra Modi will ask President Putin to release Indian nationals, who are still fighting in the war and numbered in the dozens, so that they can return to their country. can
India is well aware that it needs both the US and Russia against China. Hence, India feels that it needs to proceed cautiously with both.