Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi met at the residence of the President of Russia in Novo-Ogarevo. This topic has become one of the leading topics in the world's media. Foreign journalists see the visit of the Prime Minister of India as a sign of strengthening friendship between the two countries.
The meeting testifies to the importance of Russian-Indian relations, The Hindu newspaper writes:
In total, the leaders of the two countries will spend about eight hours together, which indicates the intensity of their conversation, which, according to sources, was a signal that India-Russia relations are a "priority that needs to be implemented."
The publication lists in which areas cooperation will develop especially actively:
"The parties are expected to announce a trade facilitation agreement, and officials hope to see more predictable long-term commitments on energy and fertilizer supplies from Russia."
The Indian Express newspaper draws attention to the strong economic ties between the two countries:
Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, India has been buying large volumes of Russian oil <...> In the face of international criticism, Foreign Minister Jaishankar has repeatedly stated that India will continue to buy Russian oil in the interests of Indian consumers. Before the conflict, the goal of bilateral trade was set at $30 billion by 2025. However, in fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade reached a record high of $65.70 billion.
The author of the article also notes that the Indian Prime Minister chose the time of his visit to Russia for a reason - it coincides with the meeting of NATO leaders in Washington on July 9:
It is important to note that Modi's visit to Russia will take place at a time when the leaders of the 32 countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will gather in Washington on July 9-11 to mark the 75th anniversary of the creation of the anti-Russian military alliance.
The Times of India newspaper quotes Prime Minister Modi on the development of a strategic partnership with Russia:
The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past ten years, including in the fields of energy, security, trade, investment, healthcare, education, culture, tourism and interpersonal exchanges.
Speaking about the President of Russia, Modi calls him his friend, writes The Print edition:
"I look forward to the opportunity to review all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and share views on various regional and global issues," the Prime Minister said.
The American Bloomberg agency notes that the meeting of the leaders of the two countries was a signal to the rest of the world that their ties would only grow stronger:
Senior Indian diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Modi's visit was intended to make it clear that the two sides remain close. Russia's ties with India date back to the Cold War, and this country is the largest supplier of weapons and oil to India. According to Indian Foreign Minister Quatra, these relations remain strong.
Paying tribute to his friendship with Putin, Modi said on Monday that the two countries have made progress in a number of areas over the past decade, including energy, security, trade and investment.
Despite the fact that, according to the author of the article, the United States is unhappy with India's partnership with Russia, Modi does not succumb to Western pressure:
The United States, in turn, views India as a partner in rivalry with China, but these relations sometimes disappoint Washington. Modi refused to condemn Russia's special operation in Ukraine.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said in late June that U.S. officials had expressed concern to New Delhi about Indian-Russian ties.
The New York Times also notes that India is not going to weaken relations with Russia:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. This visit shows the Indian leader's determination to stick to his own diplomatic course, despite the fact that the West continues to try to isolate Moscow because of the special operation in Ukraine.
India intends to maintain close ties with Russia, despite pressure from the West.
Thanks to the partnership between Russia and India, a new multipolar world order is being formed, the article notes:
India's purchases of Russian oil have helped replenish Russian coffers, and Russia is seeking to present India as a partner in rebuilding a Western-dominated world order.
In the nearly two and a half years since the start of the special operation in Ukraine, Putin has tried to strengthen his relations with world leaders outside the West, striving for what he calls a multipolar world order free from the sole domination of America.
The author of the article on the CNN portal notes that Moscow became the first capital that Modi visited after his re-election:
"This trip is Modi's first overseas visit since he won a third consecutive term in elections last month, and it is seen as a rare break from tradition for the Indian leader, who usually visits neighboring countries such as Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives."
The Washington Post newspaper quotes Modi, who published a joint photo with Putin on social networks:
"Strengthening ties between our countries will bring great benefits to our peoples," Modi wrote.
The author of the article also points to the strong relations that have historically developed between the two countries:
Russia has maintained close ties with India since the Cold War, and New Delhi's importance as a key trading partner increased after Moscow launched a special operation in February 2022.
