In a first since start of invasion, Modi visits Russia to improve ties

Moscow, July 8: In his first trip since the start of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday began a two-day high-profile visit to Russia to hold summit talks with President Vladimir Putin with a focus on boosting bilateral ties in areas of energy, trade and defence.
Modi was received at the airport by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The Russian first deputy minister also accompanied the Indian prime minister to his hotel from the airport in the same car, officials said.
Manturov had received Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Russia as well.
It is Modi’s first trip to Russia since 2019, the first after the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022 and first in Modi’s third term as the prime minister.
Russian President Putin is set to host a private dinner for Modi tonight ahead of Tuesday’s talks at the 22nd India-Russia summit in Moscow.
“PM is set to hold substantive discussions with President Vladimir Putin to take forward the special partnership between the two countries. He will also interact with the Indian community in Russia,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on ‘X’.
The Indian prime minister was accorded a guard of honour at the airport. He was welcomed outside his hotel by a group of Russian artists who danced to the tune of Hindi songs.
India has not yet condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine and consistently pitched for resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The prime minister said the visit will also provide him an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia. (PTI)