Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.
An Indian foreign ministry spokesperson in New Delhi said ahead of the trip that Modi is likely to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict during his visit.
“We will always strive to resolve this issue as quickly as possible in a peaceful manner, which will be in the interest of everyone,” he said.
The spokesman said the return of Indians from the war in Ukraine is also likely to be discussed, adding that they were forced to work for the Russian army under false pretenses. It is estimated that there are 30 to 45 Indian citizens involved.
Modi plans to travel to Austria after his trip to Russia.
Modi wrote on X on Monday: “These visits present a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these countries, with which India has a time-tested friendship.”
A banquet with Putin is planned for Monday evening.
Russia is a major energy supplier to India. Revenue from the sale of Russian oil, which India receives at a discount because of the Western embargo on Moscow, allows Putin to continue financing the war in Ukraine.
India has maintained a neutral stance towards Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It maintains good relations with both the West and Russia, where Modi last visited in 2019.
Russia is expected to host the BRICS summit, a gathering of countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, in the city of Kazan in the fall. Modi has been invited to attend.
Modi plans to travel to Austria after Russia, the first time an Indian prime minister has visited the country in over 40 years.
Modi is expected to be received by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
In Moscow and Vienna, Modi will meet representatives of the Indian community, as he has done during other foreign visits, India’s foreign ministry said.
