PM Modi concludes his 2 day visit to Russia. But this visit focused more on Economic Collaboration than on geopolitics, with no exceptional/hyped deals signed. So what was the purpose of Modi's visit to Russia? What all did India achieve after this visit? All u need to know🧵
Modi landed in Russia on July 8th & was received by 🇷🇺 First Dy PM Denis Manturov, who is Sr to the Dy PM that received Chinese President Xi Jinping during his recent visit to Russia. This sends a strong signal about the importance Russia places on its relationship with India.
On his visit, Modi was even conferred with The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle (equal to our Bharat Ratna) for exceptional services in promoting Strategic Partnership between 🇮🇳 🇷🇺. This award was announced in 2019 & now Modi travelled to Russia after 5 years.
It's not that both sides didn't discuss anything geopolitical related, ofcourse it was discussed. Infact Modi was straight, without hesitating said that solution cannot be found on the battlefield and called for peace through dialogue. Modi's purpose of visit to Russia was mainly
To reiterate the friendship with Russia/balancing act. Recently due to the war China-Russia have got closer, statements passed that 🇨🇳 🇷🇺 has "No limit" partnership. This worries New Delhi for sure. So Modi surely raised the concern & made sure 🇷🇺 doesn't get too close with 🇨🇳
Recently 🇮🇳🇷🇺 even agreed on a Military logistics agreement. On Modi's visit to Russia. He raised the concern of delay in spare parts of defence equipments. Both sides agreed to continue to manufacture Russian origin defence equipments. Sources say that Modi raised the issue
of Indians being trapped & working with the Russian army. Now Russia will discharge & facilitate the return of all Indians working in Russian Army. This is a BIG Developement. Modi even announced on Opening of 2 Indian Consulates in Russia. There were several MOUs Signed
Between both sides on Cooperation & investments in Russia's Far East, Polar research, Cartography, environment, pharmaceuticals, broadcasting, settlements of civil law disputes, Joint investment Promotion framework. Both sides to target a $100B trade, India called for a Greater
Market Access to Russian Markets, facilitate smooth opening of Indian businesses in Russia & Russian Businesses in India, settlements in National Currencies, need to increase Indian exports to Russia to counter the Huge Trade deficit, elimination of Non Tarrif barriers.
To intensify the use of INSTC corridor, strengthen the Chennai Vladivostok corridor, discussion on Migration & Mobility, agreed to supply Energy, Fertilizers to India, welcoming 1st ever India-Russia Investment forum, transport corridors & marketing chains in Eurasia,
to explore the possibility for further increasing supply of coking coal to India, and the opportunities of exporting anthracite coal from Russia to India. The Russian side invites interested Indian investors to implement high-tech investment projects in Russian Far East.
Increase of cargo turnover with India using INSTC corridor, Chennai-Vladivostok Sea Line. Strengthening of interaction in the fields of infrastructure development, transport engineering, automobile production and shipbuilding, space and other industrial sectors.
Promotion of systematic cooperation in the development and supply of medicines and advanced medical equipment. Expanding interactions in Education, Tourism, healthcare, Science, Sports, culture etc. So one gets an idea that the visit of Modi was more on Economic cooperation.
The MOUs signed, agreements on Cooperation are Not something very Big to hype about. No Major deals signed. The visit was mainly to strengthen Economic cooperation with Russia, also to address the Trade issues.
India's foreign policy is such that a Month ago Modi met Ukraine's Zelensky, hosted the US delegation at India & now met Putin. Infact Putin even hosted Modi at his "Dhaacha" which is important to note since it's a Rare thing any leader will do. US went on to say India is our
Strategic Partner. To sum up- Modi's visit was to reiterate our old friendship with Russia, to raise concerns about India's growing trade deficit, delay in supplying defence equipments, to free Indians trapped, make sure Russia doesn't get too close with China since it hurts 🇮🇳
Due to the Sanctions, Russia has been Isolated from the West. So now Russia's new market & outreach is with Asia specially India & China. Interesting to Note despite Sanctions, Russian economy grew 3.6%, upgraded to high income country, since Asia has also played a key role to
Boost Russia's economy. It's Unbelievable that despite sanctions 🇷🇺 is growing where as 🇪🇺 is in recession. It's believed the Russian economy will continue to grow further. Putin reached out to Vietnam as well, Lavrov visited Bangladesh, Russia selling Energy to Pakistan also.
SE Asian nations like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam also intend to join BRICS at a time where Russia is holding the Presidency. Russian market export share of Agriculture, Fertilizers, energy are also growing. Russia went on to even overtake Canada as top peas exporter to China.
Saudi, Brazil are buying more of Russian Seaborn diesel by replacing France & Germany. Russia's energy trade shifted from West to Asia. Asia & Oceania received 85% of crude oil exports from Russia, 84% of Russia's coal. Such Big Developements make it interesting to track
The Russian Diplomacy.