Putin's 'Dear Friend' PM Modi To Visit Russia On July 8, His First Since Ukraine War

In his first visit to Russia since Ukraine war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the Russian Federation on July 8-9. Thereafter, he will visit Austria on July 9-10.

PM Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting on the sidelines of SCO Summit, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 16, 2022. (Photo: PTI)

Source : PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to embark on an official visit to the Russian Federation and Republic of Austria on July 8-10, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in its official statement on Thursday. Notably, this will be PM Modi's first visit to Russia ever since the war between Russia and Ukraine started in February 2022. 

PM Modi will be in Moscow on July 8-10, following an invitation from President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, the leaders will hold the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

"The leaders will review the entire range of multifaceted relations between the two countries and exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest," the ministry said.

Putin Invited 'Dear Friend' Modi To Visit Russia

Last year, on December 27, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. During the bilateral talks, Putin called PM Modi a "dear friend" and invited him to Russia.

The Russian President said: "Despite all the turmoil happening worldwide, the relationship with our true friends in Asia-India has been progressing incrementally. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, many times I advised him of how things have been going there and I know that he is willing to do his utmost..."

Inviting him to visit Russia, Putin further said: "We will be glad to see our dear friend, Prime Minister Modi paying a visit to Russia...Please tell him that we expect him here. I know that India, next year will have a busy political schedule (general elections). We wish our friends success in that."

PM Modi,Putin's Previous Meets & Interactions

Modi's last visit to Russia was in 2019, when the Indian PM participated in an economic forum in the far easten port of Vladivostok. Prior to this, PM Modi visited Moscow in 2015, which was his first bilateral visit to Moscow.

Russia's President Putin last met PM Modi at a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Uzbekistan, in September 2022.

Since then, the leaders maintained a regular contact via telephone conversations. In 2024, the leaders have spoken thre times over phone on January 15, March 20, and latest on June 5.

In 2023, PM Mod and Putin spoke twice, while in 2022 they interacted five times via telephone. 

Putin had also visited New Delhi in December 2021, when he held talks with PM Modi. Before this, his previous visits to India were in October 2018, October 2016, and December 2014.

PM Modi To Visit Austria On July 9-10

During July 9-10, Prime Minister will, thereafter, travel to Austria, which will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years.

"He will call on President of the Republic of Austria, H.E. Mr. Alexander Van der Bellen and hold talks with Chancellor of Austria H.E. Mr. Karl Nehammer. Prime Minister and Chancellor will also address business leaders from India and Austria," the official statement noted.

Prime Minister Modi will also interact with members of the Indian community in Moscow as well as in Vienna during his visit.