Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow today for his two-day visit. President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Modi will meet face-to-face today, Kremlin announces.
Modi has not condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Relations between Russia and India have tightened since Russia has become closer to India’s fiercest rival, China. India has been worried about the relations between China and Russia, commented India’s former ambassador to Russia D. Bala Venkatesh Verma For the Associated Press.
However, Modi seeks to maintain close relations with Russia. The country is an important trade partner and supplier of defense equipment for India.
India has been one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil since Western countries stopped importing oil from Russia.
Modi has commented that he is especially looking forward to discussions on regional and international issues with Putin.
Sources: AFP, Reuters