India and Russia have a longstanding and unique relationship.

India and Russia have a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with PM Modi and President Putin meeting over 20 times since 2014.

India and Russia's relationship is built on mutual trust and respect, with a focus on deepening cooperation.

India sources 80 percent of its military equipment from Russia.

India and Russia have signed agreements for the S-400 missile system and joint production of the BrahMos cruise missile.

India has maintained strong ties with Russia, refusing to condemn its war in Ukraine.

India bought over $50 billion in Russian goods, including cheap oil, last year.

The two leaders agreed to expand their strategic partnership, focusing on trade, investment, and energy.

India's rivalry with China has affected its relationship, as it seeks to balance ties with Russia and the US.

PM Modi described Russia as a key partner for India's national interests.

India and Russia aim for $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025.

India and Russia have signed a 10-year military cooperation agreement to boost India's indigenous defense industry.

India's SCO membership has strengthened its relationship with Russia through cooperation and dialogue.

India relies heavily on Russia for its military needs and to counter China and Pakistan threats.

India's relationship with Russia has evolved under Prime Minister Modi, balancing strong defense ties with relations with the US and rivalry with China.

India's relationship with Russia will continue to play a significant role in its national interests.

India's relationship with Russia impacts regional security and global power dynamics amid its complex ties with China and the US.

India and Russia have a longstanding and unique relationship.

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Content: All news

India’s top diplomat highlights 'steady' relations between New Delhi, Moscow

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addressed the event that discussed the results of the foreign policy course Narendra Modi’s government has pursued in the past nine years

NEW DELHI, June 29. /TASS/. Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar explained the status of his country’s relations with Russia as he said those were unique and steady, despite the global turbulence and the pressure that is being exerted on New Delhi.

"This relationship with Russia has kept steady despite all the turbulence in the world. It is, actually, for us a very unique relationship - I think, in some ways, for the Russians, also. In this period, for all the pressures on us, I think we made our own evaluation of the importance of this relationship. <…> Sometimes, this relationship is dumbed down to things like `oh, we are dependent on them for arms’. I think it’s far more complex," ANI quoted Jaishankar as saying during a roundtable in New Delhi on Wednesday.

He pointed to a "geopolitical logic" for what New Delhi has been doing with Russia. "Today, many things which we were working on even prior to 2022, which is how to expand our economic cooperation, those have born fruition. So, we actually have an upswing in the economic part of the relationship with Russia, even as you have very steady politics, and continuing security cooperation," the Indian foreign minister said.

India's top diplomat addressed the event that discussed the results of the foreign policy course Narendra Modi’s government has pursued in the past nine years. Commenting on India’s relations with the United States, Jaishankar said they were "exceptionally good" and expressed the hope that the two countries would conclude the Free Trade agreement.

He also noted growing interaction with Europe in the past nine years and said that India was passing through a "difficult phase" with China amid what he called an abnormal situation on the border with its neighbor.

What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

What formal frameworks do India and Russia cooperate within?

India and Russia have a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with PM Modi and President Putin meeting over 20 times since 2014.

Title:

Content: World News
Putin, Modi strengthen ties despite tensions over Ukraine
CAIRO (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’ s current visit to Russia was highlighted by the Guardian newspaper, which said Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin were strengthening “ties of friendship ” despite tensions over the war in Ukraine.
The newspaper said in an analytical article published on Tuesday that Modi received a warm reception from Putin upon his arrival in Moscow.
Modi said the visit - his first since Russia's large-scale intervention in Ukraine - was aimed at strengthening "ties of friendship" between the two countries, and later described Russia as "India's all-weather friend and trusted ally".
Relations between India and Russia are deep, dating back to the Cold War, and Russia has long been India ’ s largest arms supplier.
Since his election in 2014, Modi has had a highly publicized relationship with Putin, with the two leaders holding more than 20 meetings.
However, Putin ’ s decision to intervene militarily in Ukraine in February 2022 put unprecedented strain on their relations and forced India onto a difficult path in balancing its relations with both Putin and the West.
India has refused to join Western countries in condemning Putin ’ s war and abstained in all UN votes condemning Russia.
It has also become the biggest buyer of cheap Russian oil and continues to send billions to state coffers, which some see as undermining Western sanctions efforts.
However, India ’ s dissatisfaction with Putin ’ s actions was not entirely hidden, with Modi saying that “now is not the age of war. ”
The Indian prime minister ’ s decision to strengthen ties with Western leaders who are Putin ’ s biggest critics, including U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, was met with a chill in the Kremlin.
Similarly, Putin ’ s increasingly close ties with Beijing are viewed with great suspicion in New Delhi.
But while the geopolitical landscape was markedly different from 2019, when Modi was last in Moscow, the two leaders went to great lengths to show their continued friendship during Modi ’ s visit that concluded this evening.
The Kremlin gladly spoke of Modi ’ s decision to make Russia one of his first international trips after winning a third term in office last month.
But Indian officials were more restrained, and New Delhi confirmed that the visit, Modi's first in five years, was about bilateral relations, adding that India was seeking to "play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region."
At the official summit on Monday, Modi said he and Putin discussed everything from setting up new Indian embassies in Russia to increasing cooperation on trade.
However, the complexities surrounding India ’ s achievement of a delicate diplomatic balance over Ukraine have also been uncomfortably apparent.
The summit between Putin and Modi was also held on the same day as the start of the NATO summit in Washington, where Biden and other leaders are expected to announce a historic defense package for Ukraine.
At a dinner on Monday evening, Modi reportedly made his most direct appeal to Putin to end the war in Ukraine, telling the Russian president that “there is no solution on the battlefield. ”
However, few analysts believe Modi ’ s words will have any impact.
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What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

What formal frameworks do India and Russia cooperate within?

India and Russia's relationship is built on mutual trust and respect, with a focus on deepening cooperation.

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Content: Putin and Modi pledge close cooperation during official talks in Moscow - Sunrise Gate
Tuesday 9 July 2024 7: 08 PM Cairo Cairo 24 °
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Putin and Modi pledge close cooperation during official talks in Moscow
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during official talks in Moscow, hailed the close and decades-long bilateral ties between their countries.
Speaking at the Kremlin meeting, Putin said India and Russia had a "distinct strategic partnership".
India ’ s commerce ministry said trade between the two countries had risen by 60 percent last year.
India ’ s imports of oil and fertilizers from Russia accounted for the largest share of trade.
During a meeting with representatives of the Indian community in Moscow, Modi said: "Every Indian feels that Russia is a friend of India in the good and bad...
This relationship is built on a strong foundation of mutual trust and respect. ”
Modi, 73, also praised Putin ’ s leadership qualities.
Speaking ahead of official talks between the Russian and Indian delegations in the Kremlin, Modi said the two countries would continue to develop their relations and achieve new goals.
"I say with confidence, based on our past experience, that we will work together in the future, deepen all aspects of our cooperation and achieve new goals," Modi said.
Modi thanked Putin for his warm welcome and congratulations on winning India ’ s June election.
Modi said: “We have achieved an unprecedented victory in the Indian elections and thank you for congratulating us on the victory.
You also won the election last March and I congratulate you again. ”
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What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

India sources 80 percent of its military equipment from Russia.

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Content: Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’ s recent two-day visit to Russia may have been watched more in the West than in India itself.
Modi received an official reception in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin, who faces Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine, described the Indian prime minister as his “best friend. ”
The visit, Modi ’ s first overseas trip after taking office for a new term, has been described as of international significance.
India is in a unique position as it enjoys long-term relations with Russia while at the same time getting closer to the United States and is now in a position to win the trust of both sides.
Thus, while India is unlikely to play the role of mediator, the South Asian country, during the crisis period, could play some role in helping to find a solution to the war in Ukraine.
But throughout the visit, Modi was clearly balancing India ’ s position between the two sides.
He has described Russia as a friend at all times, referring to how Moscow has advanced in the past to help New Delhi.
Russia shared nuclear technology with India at a time when no other country was willing to do so.
It is also supplying arms to India and helping to strengthen its defence deterrence amid border problems with neighbouring countries.
While India is now diversifying its defense purchases from Israel, the United States, and France, among others, 80 percent of India ’ s military equipment to date comes from Russia.
Russia has also become important since the outbreak of the Ukrainian war, to provide fuel at reduced prices, which is crucial for India, whose energy needs are growing exponentially.
Cheap fuel helped New Delhi adjust inflation in India.
At the same time, India ’ s relations with the United States have grown at a rapid pace in recent times.
Against this backdrop, the visit was also a lesson in skilful diplomatic manoeuvres, as Modi managed to strike a good balance between the two sides.
During the visit, Modi noted that his 17 meetings with Putin over the past decade have strengthened mutual trust and respect between the two sides.
The Indian prime minister not only called Russia a friend at all times, but also a “partner for better or worse. ”
The two leaders also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.
The Indian prime minister reiterated his country's position that there could be no solutions to the crisis amid "guns, bullets and bombs".
"Whether it is a war, a conflict or a terrorist attack, anyone who believes in humanity suffers when there is a loss of life," he said, stressing that "when innocent children are killed, the heart bleeds and this pain is very frightening."
There is no doubt that Modi ’ s visit to Russia was significant.
Apart from the international attention from a political point of view on its outcome, the visit is seen as adding to the continued momentum in relations between the two countries.
Economic relations in particular have received a boost since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, mainly due to India ’ s imports of oil, fertilizers and gas at reduced prices.
Trade between India and Russia, which has been stagnant for years, rose from $15 billion in 2021-2022 to $65 billion in 2023-2024 after the outbreak of the Ukrainian war in 2022.
So, during Modi ’ s visit, the two sides also discussed ways to strengthen economic ties.
The two countries agreed to boost trade to $100 billion by 2030, reduce non-tariff barriers, reduce trade imbalances in Russia ’ s favor, improve connectivity and increase trade in agricultural goods.
They also discussed some outstanding problems that remain unresolved between the two countries, such as the issue of the growing trade imbalance.
The outbreak of the Ukrainian war, which was the reason for the strengthening of energy ties between the two countries, put pressure on the military relationship, delaying shipments of spare parts and new weapons.
For example, Russia has so far delivered only three of the five S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems, while the other two are behind schedule.
The delivery of spare parts and other military equipment remained an essential part of the discussions.
The two sides are now exploring the possibility of establishing partnerships in joint ventures in India for some important parts of arms.
Modi ’ s visit to Russia, while surprising to the West, was of great importance to India in pushing forward its relations with Russia.
* Chairman of the Centre for Islamic Studies, New Delhi

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

India and Russia have signed agreements for the S-400 missile system and joint production of the BrahMos cruise missile.

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'India great power and a time-tested friend', says Russia's Vladimir Putin

India, Russia hold 21st summit, and first 2+2 dialogue; sign 28 agreements

Topics
indian government | India-Russia ties | Narendra Modi

Ajai Shukla  |  New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, on Monday (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi and Moscow on Monday issued to the world a high-visibility reminder about their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”, as Prime Minister and Russian President held the 21st India-Russia Summit, an annual ritual missed only in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Leading into the 21st summit meeting, India and Russia held their first-ever 2 + 2 Ministerial Dialogue, in which External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh together held strategic discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

“We perceive India as a great power, a friendly nation and a time-tested friend. The relations between our countries are growing and I am looking into the future,” Putin said in his initial comments.

Putin also expressed concern over the developments in Afghanistan and said India and Russia will continue to coordinate on major challenges facing the region.

Modi said Putin’s second visit abroad during the Covid-19 pandemic reflected his personal commitment to the and that the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two sides was getting stronger. In the last few decades, the world witnessed many fundamental changes and different kinds of geopolitical equations and variables, but the friendship of India and Russia remained constant, Modi said. “Your visit to India is a reflection of your commitment to ties with India,” the PM said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said 28 agreements were concluded between India and Russia after Modi-Putin meet. After the 2+2 meeting, Jaishankar tweeted: “A productive exchange of perspectives on cross-cutting and inter-related issues. Will be reporting it to the Annual Summit later today.”

Earlier on Monday, there was a meeting of the apex body that governs defence relations between the two: The Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC), co-chaired by the two defence ministers, Singh and Shoigu.

India’s military uses Russian weaponry extensively, such as Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft, T-90S tanks and BMP infantry combat vehicles, Talwar-class frigates, and Kilo-class submarines. The two sides have jointly produced the highly regarded BrahMos cruise missile system.

During the 17th annual summit, the two countries concluded deals on India’s procurement of five units of the S-400 air defence systems for an estimated ~37,000 crore, constructing Talwar-class frigates under Project 1135.6, and a shareholders’ agreement on a joint venture (JV) to manufacture Kamov-226T helicopters in India.

The S400 is regarded as the world’s premier long-range missile system, with the ability to shoot down enemy aircraft at ranges up to 400 kilometres. During the confrontation over the last two years between the Chinese and Indian armies in Ladakh, China deployed the S400 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

On March 3, 2019, in Amethi, Modi announced another JV —Indo-Russian Rifles — that would manufacture 750,000 AK-203 assault rifles in Korwa under the “Make in India” programme for an estimated $687 million. Russia is also competing for a ~40,000-crore deal for building six submarines in India under Project 75I, and a ~50,000-60,000 crore agreement to manufacture 114 fighter aircraft in India.

To ensure that Russian defence equipment was not hampered by any shortfall in maintenance or spare parts, the two sides agreed during the 20th Annual Summit in Vladivostok in September 2019 to cooperate in producing spare parts for Russian/Soviet military equipment.

The India-Russia defence partnership is being tested by Washington, especially through the piece of legislation the US Congress passed in 2017, titled CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act). This provides for US sanctions on countries that have significant defence or intelligence relations with Russia, Iran, or North Korea. India’s purchase of the S400 missile system is regarded as a potential trigger for Washington to impose sanctions.

While the US Congress has created a “CAATSA waiver” for close partners such as India, the US president is required to determine whether to exercise that waiver. So far, President Joe Biden has not stated a preference.

India, which faces a growing threat from China, is determined to buy the S400 from Russia. Asked whether New Delhi would bow to CAATSA pressure, India’s foreign ministry spokesperson said last week: “India and the US have a special global strategic partnership. And we also have a very special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia. And as you’re all aware, we pursue an independent foreign policy. This applies to our defence acquisitions, and supplies which are and will continue to be guided by our security interest.”

New Delhi and Moscow have identified trade and economic relations as a priority area. Modi and Putin have set a bilateral investment target of $50 billion and a bilateral trade target of $30 billion by 2025. (With inputs from PTI)

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First Published: Tue, December 07 2021. 01:24 IST
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In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons joint production
security & military
weapons supply

India has maintained strong ties with Russia, refusing to condemn its war in Ukraine.

How did India react to the war between Russia and Ukraine?

India did not directly oppose Russia's actions

India did not join the Western sanctions against Russia

What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

Why is maintaining a relationship with India important for Russia?

India bought over $50 billion in Russian goods, including cheap oil, last year.

Title:

Content: 31 Dec, 2023 08:46

Deeper than diplomacy: There is a reason why New Delhi and Moscow rely on each other

Russia’s respect for India’s policy of strategic autonomy is the core strength of bilateral ties, as the Indian foreign minister’s latest visit proves

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s five-day official visit to Russia was timely and significant for more than one reason.

India and Russia had held annual summits at the leadership level since 2000. This sent an important message in terms of the value attached by the two countries to bilateral ties, but it also conveyed a broader geopolitical message to other international partners of the two countries.

But this practice was broken largely because of Russia’s pre-occupation with the Ukraine conflict and its fallout. The last annual summit took place in 2021.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin could have held a summit on the margins of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in South Africa or the G20 summit in New Delhi, but Putin did not attend either. While Jaishankar’s visit does not substitute for a summit meeting, it was intended to fill a political gap.

Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have met six times during the year, and the Indian external affairs minister also met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov during the year on the economic agenda. For Jaishankar to visit Russia before the end of the year, undeterred by the Russian winter and holiday season, reflects the importance both sides attach to the further expansion of ties.

Putin has on several occasions praised the Indian prime minister and positively noted the country’s economic progress. At the ‘Russia Calling’ Forum in early December this year, he said that despite pressure from others, he “cannot imagine that Modi could be frightened, intimidated or forced to take any actions, steps, decisions that would at variance with the national interest of India and the Indian people.” He noted that sometimes he is surprised at Modi’s tough stance on Indian national interests. He added that the policy pursued by Modi is the “main guarantor” of the developing bilateral ties.

This is high and unusual praise by Putin. It can be interpreted on several levels – particularly as an acknowledgement that India has resisted pressure from the US and others to condemn Russia over the Ukraine conflict, impose sanctions, and reduce defense ties with Russia. India has, on the contrary, bought discounted Russian oil to the point that Russia has become its biggest oil supplier. It has argued that ensuring this market flow of Russian oil has helped avoid a major spike in oil prices and checked global inflation. Indian-Russian trade has expanded, while the G7 has broken economic and trade ties with Russia.

India played a major role as G20 president in negotiating the part in the Leaders’ Declaration on the Ukraine conflict despite the hardening of the G7 position and that of Russia and China after the G20 summit in Bali. The final text does not mention Russia by name, while the G7 was satisfied that the general formulations in it could be sold as being directed at Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.

Not surprisingly, Putin complimented India for de-politicizing the G20. India chaired the SCO summit in July 2023 and participated in the BRICS summit in South Africa in August 2023. This countered G7 attempts to isolate Russia diplomatically. In fact, the New Delhi SCO Declaration spoke of more effective global institutions, a more representative, just, and multipolar world order based on international law and multilateralism, and criticized the unilateral application of economic sanctions – a clear critique of the Western-dominated global system.

It is against this backdrop that Putin received Jaishankar at the Kremlin, the first time that such a gesture has been made to him personally. The general unavailability of Putin to visiting foreign ministers is well-known.

Jaishankar delivered a personal message from Modi to Putin. During the meeting, Putin invited his “friend Modi” to visit Russia in 2024 and noted that Indian-Russian ties were on the whole developing well. He said that he had been briefing Modi on developments in Ukraine, remarking that he understands the Indian prime minister is willing to do his utmost to resolve the matter by peaceful means. He added that he would give additional information to Jaishankar on Ukraine.

India has continued to strengthen ties with the US, including in the defense domain. It is a member of the Quad and a strong supporter of the Indo-Pacific concept, both of which are intended to deter China’s regional ambitions. Russia has reservations about the Quad and the Indo-Pacific concept, which it sees as the US engaging in bloc politics in Asia.

Putin’s praise for Modi and India and the gesture of receiving Jaishankar takes into consideration these realities of India’s foreign policy which are meant to safeguard the larger national interests. At the core of this is Russia’s respect for India’s policy of strategic autonomy. Jaishankar’s high-profile visit and the vigorous language used to mark the importance of India’s traditional ties with Russia would have caught Washington’s attention.

Jaishankar noted that after talks with Lavrov, “what clearly came out was that India-Russia relations remain very steady, remain very strong, they are based on our strategic convergence, on our geopolitical interests, and because they are mutually beneficial.” The two leaders discussed political cooperation within international organizations such as BRICS, the SCO, etc.

Indian-Russian trade is at an all-time high, exceeding $50 billion last year, and should pass that figure this year. It includes energy, fertilizers, coking coal, and other items, for which long term arrangements were discussed. India intends to expand investments in Russia’s oil and gas sector.

On the nuclear side, two important amendments were agreed to which will take the Kudankulam nuclear power project forward. Mutual investments, progress on a bilateral investment treaty, and the resumption of negotiations between India and the Eurasian Economic Union for a free trade agreement will be resumed in the second half of January 2024.

Moscow and New Delhi will expand cooperation in the Russian Far East. India expects a large representation from this region at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January 2024.

Connectivity between India and Russia will be critical for expanding trade ties – connectivity from western India through the International North-South Transport Corridor, and connectivity from eastern India, from Chennai to Vladivostok, and the polar route. To promote tourism, India is open to increasing the number of flights from India every week.

The talks between Jaishankar and Lavrov were comprehensive. They discussed the global strategic situation, Ukraine, Gaza, the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN, Afghanistan, UN-related matters, the challenges facing the Global South, and the building of a multipolar order. China would undoubtedly have been discussed, but diplomatic discretion here would be normal.

In the joint press conference, Lavrov spoke of prospects for more defense cooperation, including joint production of modern weapons under New Delhi’s ‘Make in India’ program, and, importantly, expressed respect for India’s efforts to diversify its defense ties. He noted bilateral cooperation in rocket engine manufacturing and satellite navigation systems.

Jaishankar’s visit was productive in maintaining the momentum of Indian-Russian ties, which have been built over 60 years, a relationship that he believes is not just about politics, diplomacy, or economics, but is much deeper.

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How did India react to the war between Russia and Ukraine?

India did not directly oppose Russia's actions

India did not join the Western sanctions against Russia

How has Russia/ India trade evolved since the start of the war in Ukraine?

India's purchases of Russian oil increased

How has trade level between India and Russia changed under Modi and Putin?

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

Why is maintaining a relationship with India important for Russia?

The two leaders agreed to expand their strategic partnership, focusing on trade, investment, and energy.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

India's rivalry with China has affected its relationship, as it seeks to balance ties with Russia and the US.

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Content:   • News
  • India News
  • Look forward to reviewing ties with my friend Putin: PM Modi ahead of Russia visit

Look forward to reviewing ties with my friend Putin: PM Modi ahead of Russia visit

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit to Russia on Monday said that he looks forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with his 'friend' Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Modi expressed his eagerness to assess all aspects of bilateral cooperation with President Vladimir Putin and exchange views on various regional and global matters.
India aims to contribute to a peaceful and stable region.
"I am embarking on an official visit to the Russian Federation for the 22nd Annual Summit and my first ever visit to the Republic of Austria over the next three days," PM Modi said in a statment.
"The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past ten years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges," he added.
The Indian ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, stated that the two leaders will discuss the progress of bilateral relations and other regional matters of shared interest, as reported by ANI.
Upon his arrival in Moscow on Monday afternoon, PM Modi will be welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin for a private lunch. The following day, the Prime Minister will engage with the Indian community residing in Russia. Subsequently, he will pay his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier within the Kremlin and tour an exhibition site in the capital city.
PM Modi's most recent trip to Russia occurred in 2019 when he journeyed to Vladivostok in the Far East. Both India and Russia are part of the BRICS association, which also includes Brazil, China, and South Africa.

First visit to Austria by an Indian PM in over 40 years.
PM Modi will also visit Austria for the first time, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years. During the three-day visit, he will meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Discussions will focus on strengthening the partnership in innovation, technology, and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister will also engage with business leaders to explore trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, he will interact with the Indian community in Austria, known for their professionalism and conduct. This visit underscores the strong and reliable partnership between India and Austria, rooted in shared democratic ideals.
"Together with the Austrian Chancellor, I look forward to exchanging views with business leaders from both sides to explore mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities. I will also be interacting with the Indian community in Austria who is well regarded for their professionalism and conduct," the statement said.
About the Author
TOI News Desk

The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."

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What has negatively affected India/ Russia current relationship?

Why is maintaining a relationship with Russia important for India?

PM Modi described Russia as a key partner for India's national interests.

India and Russia aim for $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025.

Title:

Content: Russia / India / Politics / Military
Modi Meets Putin, Putin Praises India as ‘ Strong and Reliable Ally ’
Putin, who is visiting India, praised India as a "strong and reliable ally" of Moscow. Putin's visit focused on "energy" and "defense". The foreign ministers and defense ministers of the two sides held their first 2 + 2 meeting and signed a number of military cooperation agreements.
In a joint statement, the two sides reiterated their intention to strengthen defense cooperation and achieve the goal of reaching US $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025.
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Indian diplomats said on Monday that Russia had begun supplying India with S-400 long-range air defense systems.
During Putin ’ s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two sides also signed a 10-year military cooperation agreement and an oil cooperation agreement.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides reiterated their intention to strengthen defense cooperation, including joint research and development and production of military equipment. They also stressed the need to achieve the goal of 30 billion US dollars in bilateral trade by 2025, and strengthen cooperation in energy and satellite navigation.
Speaking to the media before his meeting with Modi, Putin said: "We consider India to be a big country, a friendly country and a security ally."
Putin ’ s trip to India is aimed at strengthening ties with India ’ s traditional allies, which are being eroded by the United States.
To counter China ’ s rise, the United States has established the Quad Security Dialogue (Quad) with India, Japan and Australia, drawing attention from Beijing and Moscow.
During the Cold War, India had close relations with the Soviet Union, a relationship that continues to this day, described by New Delhi as a “special and privileged strategic partnership. ”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss defense and trade relations between the two countries to strike a balance with the United States.
"Over the past few decades, there have been many fundamental changes in the world, as well as various geopolitical elements, but India's friendship with Russia has always been the same," Modi said before the meeting with Putin.
India ’ s foreign ministry said the annual bilateral summit covered political and defence issues.
The two leaders also discussed the takeover of the Afghan regime by the Taliban earlier this year, which has led to a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
India and Russia have long had close ties, and both sides have set a goal of reaching US $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025.
But recently, India and the United States have drawn closer, seeing the United States as a key force in the fight against China.
India, while strengthening its military ties with the United States, is also trying to manage its defense relations with Russia.
India, a major arms importer, relied heavily on the former Soviet Union for its military supplies during the Cold War, and now buys weapons from the United States in a decentralized manner.
Under former US President Donald Trump, India signed more than US $3 billion in arms purchase contracts with the United States, and the two countries ’ armaments trade has increased from zero in 2008 to US $15 billion in 2019.
On the other hand, India ’ s purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile system to counter China has become a major problem in relations with the United States.
This sophisticated anti-aircraft missile defense system, once available, is expected to give India the strategic deterrent power against China and Pakistan.
However, the United States has asked partners not to purchase Russian-made military equipment, or it may impose sanctions.
In addition, India and Russia held their first 2 + 2 meeting in New Delhi on Monday, where they signed a number of cooperation agreements on "military and small arms".
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in New Delhi on Monday night and held a 2 + 2 meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Igor Sujason and Defense Minister Manmohan Singh.
The Ministerial 2 + 2 meeting was the first between India and Russia.
Singh tweeted after the meeting that discussions on defence cooperation between the two sides had been fruitful and that India valued the "special strategic partnership" with Russia.
He added that the two sides had signed several agreements, contracts and protocols on small arms and military cooperation.
However, Singh and India ’ s Ministry of Defence have yet to release a formal statement or press release disclosing details of the various agreements signed with Russia.
Indian media reported that one of the major agreements was the technology transfer and local production of the Russian-made AK-203 assault rifle.
Under the agreement, India will produce more than 600,000 AK-203 assault rifles in India over the next 10 years through an Indo-Russian joint venture.
Another deal is to extend the 10-year India-Russia military-technical cooperation agreement until 2031.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

India and Russia have signed a 10-year military cooperation agreement to boost India's indigenous defense industry.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons joint production
security & military

India's SCO membership has strengthened its relationship with Russia through cooperation and dialogue.

Title:

Content: PM Narendra Modi Likely to Skip Upcoming SCO Summit Next Month

Previously India was the President of the group which was taken over by Kazakhstan last year. The SCO summit was held virtually by India in July 2023. This year the summit is being hosted by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomaet Tokayev, who has proposed the establishment of a joint investment fund, among other initiatives that would be put on the table.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held in Kazakhstan next month will likely be skipped by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishanker will likely attend the meeting instead of the Prime Minister.
Sources close to the matter reveal that the Prime Minister has made the decision to not commute to Astana for the summit poised to be held on July 3-4, although his presence at the summit was confirmed earlier, and an advanced security team had carried out a Preliminary investigation with relation to the same.

Kazakhstan Takes Over The Presidency

Previously India was the President of the group which was taken over by Kazakhstan last year. The SCO summit was held virtually by India in July 2023. This year the summit is being hosted by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomaet Tokayev, who has proposed the establishment of a joint investment fund, among other initiatives that would be put on the table.

PM Modi’s first overseas trip upon assuming office for his third consecutive term was to Italy, where he participated in the G7 summit. This visit was part of his engagement in a multilateral gathering. India’s diplomatic calendar for this year is full, with upcoming events including the BRICS summit in Russia, the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, the G20 summit in Brazil, and the Future Summit in New York.

About SCO

The organisation was established in 2001 and it works as a political, economic and security group. The current members of the organization consist of China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Iran joined the club and became a full member in 2023, during this time the presidency of the grouping was held by India.
Its observer state is Belarus which is also poised to get full membership in the group.

The main objectives that SCO focuses on are regional security, counter-terrorism as well as economic alliance amongst the member states. The Eurasian region covers 60% of the membership in the grouping, and the grouping also consists of 40% of the world population and a staggering 30% of the world’s GDP.

India was inducted as a full member of the grouping in 2017 alongside Pakistan, which was the first-ever expansion the organisation had gone through in 2001.

Why India’s Presence In The Eurasian Body Is Important

The first thing that being a member of this organisation will do for India is increase its presence globally and strengthen its international stand. Now with a permanent membership India has a unique opportunity to scope out and constructively engage with the Eurasian region, and will be beneficial for extending mutual ties within this region.

Most importantly India will be able to address the issue of combating terrorism with much more precision. India stands to gain significantly by enhancing cooperation, particularly through active involvement in established SCO initiatives like the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which facilitates crucial information sharing on terrorist activities and drug trafficking. Moreover, participating in the SCO’s counter-terrorism exercises and annual military drills will provide valuable insights for the Indian armed forces into the operational strategies of other militaries.

When it comes to resources India has to gain a lot with its partnership with the Central Asian countries. India is an importer of natural gas and is also one of the biggest energy-consuming countries in the world. The central-Asian region boasts of abundant natural gas resources and minerals, the region consists of almost 4% of the world’s natural gas resources and 3% of oil.

India looks at this region as a vital source of oil, gas and minerals as the energy consumption and demand in India is ever rising. The SCO could also help advance the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project.

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In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

What formal frameworks do India and Russia cooperate within?

India relies heavily on Russia for its military needs and to counter China and Pakistan threats.

Title:

Content: India Latest Stories Op - eds

Centre of Russian and Western tug of war, India honing non-alignment diplomatic skills

Diplomats rushing to New Delhi: There was exceptional diplomatic traffic in March end as Foreign Ministers of Russia, Mexico and China, UK’s foreign secretary, US deputy national security advisor and Netherland’s security advisor rushed to New Delhi. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had visited earlier. Leaders across the world have India on their minds, hence converging on India. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered sharp polarization between two major blocs—America, Western allies and the Indo-Pacific on one side; and Russia and China on the other.

India, America, Quad and the West: India-US ties have developed in recent years. The US, Japan, Australia, and India have formed the Quad grouping to counter an imperialist China. Trade volume with the US and its allies has increased. These trade ties, plus Japan’s recently announced investments are vital for India. India has strategic convergence with the US, other Quad countries and some western nations on Chinese aggression. But can India trust America?

India-(Soviet) Russia ties: India has longstanding military ties with Russia as the world’s largest buyer of Russian weapons. It procures 50-80% of its military requirement from Russia. India-USSR Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, 1971 ensured India’s security for decades. During India-Pakistan war America backed Pakistan, sent Seventh naval fleet into the Bay of Bengal, and the UK sent aircraft carrier HMS Eagle to the Arabian Sea to browbeat India. Russia sent its naval forces to the Indian Ocean in India’s support. Diplomatically, the USSR vetoed all UN resolutions against India—the 1957 US-UK-Australia-Cuba joint-resolution for deployment of peacekeeping forces in Kashmir; Portugal resolution against India during Goa Liberation in 1961 and many more anti-India resolutions. The lone negative USSR vote prevented internationalization of Kashmir. Geographically, India relies on Russia to counter the threat from China and Pakistan.

Russia supports India in multilateral fora like the U.N. (for the UNSC membership and vetoes supporting Indian interests), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), and Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral. India needs Russia for defense and strategic purposes, and a rupee-ruble platform for oil import, hence can’t be overtly anti-Russia. Russia wants that even if India does not support invasion of Ukraine, it should tread the middle-ground path and continue trading with it. The US and the Western bloc are irritated that India is not publicly criticizing Russia.

Switching from American SWIFT to Russia’s SPFS: American sanctions cut-off several Russian banks from SWIFT payment system. Helpless Russia enforced Rouble payments through messaging system SPFS for defence, oil and gas transactions. India is buying Russian oil crude braving mounting international pressure. A rupee- ruble-denominated payment system benefits both India and Russia amidst America-Australia condemnation that circumvention undermines the sanctions.

Rationale for India’s non-aligned policy: Ukraine conflict showcases India’s NAM 2.0. India was co-founder of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961 for independence in thought and action from Cold war blocs and following the same policy over Ukraine. The West misinterprets India’s neutral stance as Russia-centric, hence irked and unhappy. America initially condemned but now threatens India of “consequences” and mulls sanctions under CAATSA over the S-400 deal with Russia. India’s non-alignment is on test.  America says Russia won’t defend India against Chinese violation at LAC.

America and Britain urge India for a pro-Ukraine role in the conflict. India’s non-alignment thus gets traction from several directions by global powers. America won’t sanction India— a partner in QUAD to balance out China, a huge market, a destination for American investment and American exports—to face huge financial costs. Indian diaspora can dent politically. Australia divulged that QUAD understands Indian position on Russia and has accepted the same. India’s neutral position on a safe diplomatic pedestal protects its own national interests. The world needs India more so than ever, as much as India needs the world.

India’s delicate balancing act: Deftly balancing the diverging interests of the West, Russia and its own, India abstained from Ukraine-related resolutions moved by the West and Russia, reflecting nonaligned, geographical, security and economic compulsions. Russian vetoes have saved India, hence India has not gone against Russia for neutrality. India staying in touch with Russia is beneficial for humanity.

India the center of global wartime diplomacy: Global leaders rushing to Delhi makes India the center of global wartime diplomacy. Foreign dignitaries are unbalanced with completely divergent agenda. For present Eurasian politics has diverted world’s attention from the ever-volatile Indo-Pacific. India supplied humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and reaching out to world leaders – Russian, Ukrainian, and European Council, Polish, and French Presidents— for dialogue, peaceful resolution, and immediate ceasefire.

Pragmatic India prefers not to be on the wrong side of Russia than being on the “right side of history. India’s silent diplomacy is navigating the conflict with phenomenal dexterity—expressing veiled concern for Russian invasion and maintaining an important strategic and security relationship.

India abstained from the UNSC Resolution criticizing the invasion, citing ‘legitimate security interests’ of Russia and respecting the ‘sovereignty and territorial integrity of states’ of Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine have appealed to India for mediation. Defusing the crisis will benefit humanity. Let’s try to win the Ukraine war without moving a soldier, a ship or an airplane.

By Himanshu Sharma, Editor

Twitter : @Himansh

Email : info@newdelhitimes.com

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In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

weapons joint production
security & military
weapons supply

Why is maintaining a relationship with Russia important for India?

India's relationship with Russia has evolved under Prime Minister Modi, balancing strong defense ties with relations with the US and rivalry with China.

Title:

Content: Skip to Content

India unsure of Russian arms to meet China, Pakistan threats

By ASHOK SHARMA
Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — India is bracing for a disruption in Russian arms supplies following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tightrope walk between Moscow and Washington could become more difficult due to a border standoff with China. Up to 60% of Indian defense equipment comes from Russia. Modi has so far avoided voting against Russia at the United Nations or criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine. Beijing could pressure Moscow to downgrade its ties with India. President Joe Biden has publicly spoken about unresolved differences with India over the Ukraine issue, but he is building ties with New Delhi under the Indo-Pacific security alliance known as “the Quad” that also includes Japan and Australia.

Associated Press

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In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

What has negatively affected India/ Russia current relationship?

Why is maintaining a relationship with Russia important for India?

India's relationship with Russia will continue to play a significant role in its national interests.

In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

What do Putin and Modi officially characterize Russia/ India relationship as?

India's relationship with Russia impacts regional security and global power dynamics amid its complex ties with China and the US.

Title:

Content: World News
India as a Future Mediator to Resolve U.S. and Russian Differences
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There are good reasons to believe that India has the best chance of bringing both the United States and Russia to the negotiating table, which would go a long way toward finally ending the conflict.
Indian Foreign Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar acknowledged this, noting: “We tried, but the gap between the two countries was too big. ”
Although India has failed to persuade participants to issue a joint G20 declaration due to persistent great-power differences over the conflict, New Delhi ’ s important role as a future mediator between the United States and Russia should not be underestimated.
Why is New Delhi ideally suited for this role?
Rowand explains why since India ’ s independence in 1947, India has maintained a non-aligned foreign policy.
This is not to say that India, in practice, avoids favoring one country over another.
However, it offers an open door policy for everyone.
India, for example, has diplomatic relations not only with countries like Cuba, Iran, and North Korea, but with loyal U.S. allies, such as Australia, Japan, and NATO as well.
In the course of dealing with the Ukraine war negotiations, India will be a source of strength for the simple fact that it welcomes dialogue with almost anyone, without preconditions or reservations.
Another reason why India makes sense for the role of mediator is that it enjoys very healthy partnerships with both the major powers most involved in the war: Russia and the United States.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’ s government added to its policy of non-alignment by introducing “multiple alignment ” — essentially a comprehensive hedging strategy — into its political geography.
Through multiple alignment, India seeks to avoid getting involved with any one superpower by strengthening cooperation with all of them.
New Delhi hopes this approach will preserve India ’ s strategic independence as great-power competition intensifies.
Refusal of conviction
India has also refused to condemn the Ukraine crisis, and Russia has become India ’ s largest supplier of discounted barrels of crude oil.
This is not a minor coup considering India ’ s enormous energy requirements not only as a rapidly growing country, but now as the world ’ s most populous country as well.
While the West is appalled by the move, it also gives New Delhi a fair amount of leverage over the Kremlin, which has been desperate to keep selling oil despite Western sanctions.
India ’ s long and close ties with Russia dating back to the Cold War allow New Delhi to criticize Russian policies, albeit covertly, with impunity.
A strong partnership
India ’ s partnership with the United States is as strong as its partnership with Russia, and arguably the best it has been in history.
Since Modi came to power in 2014, New Delhi has prioritized stronger ties with Washington, primarily to counter Beijing ’ s growing insistence across the Indo-Pacific to include the disputed land border separating India from China.
In 2017, during the construction of Chinese roads in Doklam resulted from that three geo-strategically sensitive border between China, India and Bhutan and a months-long military standoff between Indian and Chinese forces, prompting Modi to increasingly welcome U.S. support.
Later that year, India agreed to revive the Quartet — a security dialogue between like-minded democracies including Australia, Japan and the United States — to counter China.
Bilateral and multilateral cooperation continued following the June 2020 deployment of Chinese troops across the border into India-controlled territory in the Galavan Valley, leading to the worst clashes in decades.
A super power.
Besides its strong ties with Russia and the United States, India is an emerging superpower in its own right, which means that both Moscow and Washington as well as Beijing, Western European capitals and others are taking its stance on war seriously.
As the G-20 actions so far have shown, India is now the voice and conscience of the entire developing world.
During his opening speech at a meeting of foreign ministers last week, Modi lamented the failure of global governance, saying: “We must recognize that the tragic consequences of this failure are faced primarily by developing countries. ”
The developing world is important in the Ukraine conflict because it includes the majority of nations around the world, many of which are in the crosshairs of geostrategic great-power rivalry.
Judging by the voting patterns at the United Nations since the beginning of the conflict, they oppose Western-led sanctions, but also believe that Russia should not have attacked its neighbor and should have returned to the status quo ante.
India embodies this balanced perspective, which defines the tone and lines of the future peace agreement.
Promise of compatibility
India has promised that it will have the motivation to reach consensus and finally issue a joint declaration.
Which again confirms that India ’ s position at least as of last year was basically the international consensus.
New Delhi ’ s very realistic approach to foreign policy will not be affected by acting as a bridge between the United States and Russia. Quite the contrary, even limited success in ending the conflict will enhance India ’ s credibility as a rising superpower capable of accomplishment.
Reasons why India is the best mediator between Russia and the United States:
welcomes the dialogue without preconditions or reservations.
India has maintained a non-aligned foreign policy.
It enjoys very healthy partnerships with both the great powers most involved in the war: Russia and the United States.
India refused to condemn the Ukraine crisis, and Russia became India ’ s largest supplier of discounted barrels of crude oil.
India ’ s long and close ties with Russia allow New Delhi to criticize Russian policies with impunity.
India and the United States have close ties due to the alliance against China.
India is an emerging superpower and is the voice of the developing world and embodies a balanced perspective, which defines the tone and lines of a future peace agreement.
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In what fields are India and Russia cooperating?

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