Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Moscow for a two-day meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaging in a delicate balancing act between East and West without directly challenging Putin over Ukraine. The visit aims to strengthen the enduring friendship between India and Russia despite evolving global partnerships and geopolitical dynamics.
Key Points
Modi's visit is part of a wider balancing act in India's foreign policy
Focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing trade imbalances
Exploration of alternative financial mechanisms to counter Western sanctions
Pros
Strengthening the historical and enduring friendship between India and Russia
Exploring alternative money transfer systems to bypass Western sanctions
Addressing the issue of Indians misled into Russian military service
Cons
India's refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Growing alarm in India over Russia's increasing alignment with China