New Delhi, July 8
India seeks to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as he embarked on a high-profile visit to Russia to hold summit talks with President Vladimir Putin amid the conflict in Ukraine.
It is Modi’s first trip to Russia since 2019 and the first since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
After concluding his engagements in Russia on July 9, Modi will leave for Austria in the first visit by an Indian prime minister to that country in over 40 years.
Modi and Putin are set to explore ways to further expand bilateral relations in diverse areas, including trade, energy and defence, at the 22nd India-Russia annual summit on Tuesday.
“The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past 10 years, including in areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi said in his departure statement.
“I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues,” he said.
“We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region,” he said without making any specific references.
The prime minister said the visit would also provide him an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia.
In a post on ‘X’, Modi said: “Over the next three days, will be in Russia and Austria. These visits will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these nations, with whom India has time tested friendship.”
On his trip to Austria on July 9 to 10, the prime minister described the country as India’s “steadfast and reliable partner”.
“In Austria, I will have the opportunity to meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer,” Modi said.
“Austria is our steadfast and reliable partner and we share the ideals of democracy and pluralism.
“This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister in over 40 years. I look forward to my discussions to take our partnership to even greater heights in new and emerging areas of innovation, technology and sustainable development among others,” he said.
Modi said he was looking 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 which is well regarded for their professionalism and conduct,” he said.
