The eyes of the world on PM Modi's Russia visit

 

                                                                                                                    Courtesy: Photo Gallery! PM India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Moscow for an official visit to Russia. He was was greeted by a goose-stepping honor guard upon arrival at Vnukovo-II International Airport. Russia's First Deputy PM Denis Manturov welcomed the Prime Minister on the tarmac. PM Modi held summit talks with President Vladimir Putin to review all aspects of bilateral ties and explore opportunities to further boost cooperation in sectors like trade, energy, and defense. The visit also sent a message on his stand on the Russia-Ukraine war.

What is India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war?

India has always been vocal about ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Since day one, the country has maintained a balanced and neutral stand between Russia-Ukraine. In his opening statement ahead of the summit with Putin at the Russian presidential office 'Kremlin', PM Narendra Modi said, "India is ready to cooperate in every way to restore peace... I assure you and the world community that India has always been in favor of peace. Hearing my friend Putin talking about peace gives me hope, I would like to tell my media friends – peace is possible.”

PM Modi mentioned the Ukraine war in front of Putin and said, “Whether it is war… conflict… or terrorist attack… every person who believes in humanity suffers from it, but when innocent children are killed in it, the heart is pierced and that pain is terrible. As a friend, I have always said that peace is necessary for our future generations, but I also know that solutions are not possible on the battlefield. Solutions and peace talks are not successful amidst bombs, guns, and bullets, and we will have to adopt the path of peace through dialogue.

Russia's highest civilian honor conferred on PM

On July 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country's highest honor, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, announced earlier in 2019. In Russia, this honor is given to the best-performing civilian or military personnel. President Vladimir Putin congratulated PM Modi for the highest Russian award during a joint press conference in Moscow. Putin addressed Modi as a dear friend and also wished him good health. This is indeed a proud and important moment for all Indians.

Agreement on the withdrawal of Indian troops

PM Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia is being seen as a major diplomatic victory. The path for the return of Indian youths recruited in the Russian army through illegal means has been cleared. Currently, 30 to 40 Indians are serving in the Russian military. Prime Minister Modi raised this issue strongly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had also raised the demand of discharging Indians fighting for the Russian army in front of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Now, an agreement has been reached on the return of Indian soldiers. 

PM Modi's address to the Indian community in Moscow

When PM Narendra Modi reached Moscow, the Indian community gave him a grand welcome. In his address, he said that I have met Putin 17 times and all these meetings have increased trust and respect. When students were stuck in the conflict, President Putin helped us in getting Indian students back to India. He said that earlier more students used to go to China and Ukraine for medical studies, but now they are going to Russia.

There are several reasons for Indian students to prefer Russia for their medical studies.  One of them is a budget-friendly medical fee which is recognized by the Indian government. Apart from this, there are other reasons like security, visa ease, suitable climate conditions, and English studies. Admission for MBBS in Russia for Indian students is an uncomplicated and direct process. As a result, many people from India prefer to go to Russia to study medical science because of the quality of medical education. Around 20000 Indian students live there and most of them study medical science.

Russia: India’s all-weather friend

Russia and India have had strong ties in the past. After independence, there were famine conditions in India and the country was in need of wheat. Not many countries extended a helping hand but Soviet Union promised to send one lakh tons of wheat to India through a formal agreement. This deal laid a strong foundation for the relations between the two countries.

The country was surrounded by crisis due to the war between India and Pakistan in the year 1971, in which India took action against Pakistan for the liberation of Bangladesh. During this war, Russia not only gave full support to India but also sent many types of defense and war materials to India.

Russia also helped in preventing Pakistan from gaining political support against India. It supported India's position on international forums and explained this war to the world community. It is believed that Russia also played an important role in India's victory in the war against Pakistan in 1971.

Russia has often helped India in times of crisis. India and Russia have had relations since 1947. The locals are great fan of actor Raj Kapoor. His most popular song was played in every household there - Sir par lal topi russi, phir bhi dil hai hindustani. This song may have become old, but the sentiments are evergreen.

The eyes of the world were on PM Modi's Russia visit

The eyes of the whole world were on PM Modi's visit to Russia. The Western countries were following it keenly. America and Ukraine clearly expressed their concern about this visit. The US National Security adviser cautioned that strong ties with Russia were a "bad bet" for India. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expected a solution to the war in Ukraine that respects the United Nations Charter, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

And Eric Garcetti, the US ambassador to India, warned New Delhi that it could not take its friendship with Washington "for granted". Ukraine's President Zelensky criticized PM Modi's visit to Russia, calling it disappointing and a setback for peace efforts.

Reaction of world media on Putin-Modi meeting

Roman Babushkin, Russia’s Charge d’affaires said the West had no interest in stopping the war because it would call into question his legitimacy. Zelenskyy’s term ended in March and he would have to hold elections. According to Sajid Tarar, a prominent Pakistani-American businessman, America pointed out to pay attention to the joint statement during Modi's visit. Tarar further said that some American journalists believe that America's statement was given in a very hasty manner. He should not have been targeted until his visit was over.

The world media also gave its reactions to the Putin-Modi meeting. The New York Times wrote, 'The effort to isolate Putin weakened'. BBC Hindi wrote, 'Modi maintained balance in Moscow'. Voice of America wrote, 'This visit is important for both Russia and India'. The Guardian wrote, 'Modi's advice will not affect Putin'. Global Times wrote, 'Western countries disappointed by India's move'. The Washington Post wrote, 'This visit of Modi shows that India has not gone to the camp of the West'.

However, India dismissed the concerns related to this. PM Modi talked about peace with Putin and tried to find ways to resolve the Ukraine crisis through peaceful means, which is a direct answer to the Ukrainian President and the Western countries. This visit took the relations between India and Russia to new heights. Russia handled this visit very well.

PM Modi was welcomed just like Chinese President Xi Jinping and the same award was given to PM Modi. Despite testing friendship of India-Russia many times, this friendship has emerged stronger. Modi’s visit to Russia is seen as the latest evidence of the West’s failure to isolate Russia over its invasion of its neighbor. Modi has embraced India’s rise in a new multipolar reality. Also, he has pursued a balancing act to maintain good relations with Western economies.