||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh July 05,2024 ||

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Russia and Austria, marking his first bilateral visit in his third term. The trip will commence with a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 8-9, followed by a visit to Austria.

Russia Visit:

Agenda and Significance: 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Modi and Putin will review the entire range of multifaceted bilateral relations.

Discussion on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Trade and Economic Cooperation:Addressing the imbalance in bilateral trade, skewed in Russia’s favor due to India’s increased purchase of Russian crude oil.

Defense, Space, and Nuclear Energy Cooperation:Reviewing ongoing cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration, including connectivity initiatives.

Return of Indian Nationals in Russian Military:Ensuring the safe and speedy return of Indian nationals serving in the Russian military.This issue was recently discussed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Geopolitical Context:

-India’s Stance on Ukraine Conflict: India has not publicly criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Calls for cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

Strategic Autonomy:Modi’s visit underscores India’s independent foreign policy approach, balancing relations despite global tensions.

Austria Visit:

Historical Significance:First Visit in 41 Years.

This will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in over four decades.

Agenda:

Meetings with Austrian Leaders:Modi will meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and hold talks with Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

Economic and Business Ties:Modi and Nehammer will address business leaders to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

Diplomatic Implications:Unusual Choice for First Visit.

Traditionally, Indian prime ministers have chosen a neighboring country for their first foreign visit.Modi’s choice of Russia and Austria reflects a broader strategic and economic focus.

Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visits to Russia and Austria highlight his administration’s focus on strategic autonomy and expanding India’s global partnerships. The meetings with President Putin and Austrian leaders will address key issues from defense cooperation to economic ties, reflecting India’s multifaceted foreign policy approach in a complex global landscape.