India-Russia partnership takes centre stage as PM Modi meets Vladimir Putin

New Delhi, Oct 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Kazan on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit. The longstanding partnership between the two nations took centre stage. In the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine war and, their bilateral meeting highlighted the resilience of their relationship and the evolving role of BRICS in global geopolitics.

Modi expressed deep appreciation for Putin’s hospitality, emphasising India's historical connection to Kazan. "I express my heartfelt gratitude for your friendship, warm welcome, and hospitality," Modi said during the meeting. He highlighted the significance of India's new embassy in the city, noting it would "further strengthen these ties." The establishment of this consulate is seen as a testament to the growing cooperation between India and Russia, even as the geopolitical landscape undergoes seismic shifts.

Putin reciprocated with similar warmth, welcoming the opening of the consulate as a positive step forward. “You have decided to open the Indian Consulate in Kazan. We welcome this. Our cooperation will benefit from the policies of India,” Putin remarked, reflecting the mutual desire to deepen engagement.

India’s approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine was another focal point of the discussion. While maintaining a delicate balance between its global partnerships, Prime Minister again advocated for a peaceful resolution. Modi reiterated India’s position during the talks, stating, “We fully support the early establishment of peace and stability. As I have said earlier, we believe that the problems should be resolved in a peaceful manner.”

This stance aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objectives promoting dialogue over conflict while safeguarding its strategic autonomy. Modi added, “India is ready to provide all possible cooperation in the times to come,” signalling India’s willingness to act as a bridge in global conflicts, without being overtly aligned with any particular bloc.

For Putin, the meeting was an opportunity to reinforce Russia’s pivot toward Asia, particularly as relations with the West continue to deteriorate. “Our projects are constantly developing,” Putin noted, referencing the steady progression of bilateral initiatives. With India remaining a key partner in sectors such as defence and energy, the Modi-Putin dialogue further solidified Russia’s role as a dependable ally for India in a multipolar world.

Both leaders also highlighted the importance of the upcoming Intergovernmental Commission meeting in New Delhi in December, which is expected to review ongoing collaborations and set the stage for future projects. With Western sanctions increasingly isolating Russia, India’s engagement provides Moscow with critical economic and political support, especially in sectors that have traditionally been strongholds of the bilateral relationship.

BRICS: A Platform for Global Dialogue

Modi’s participation in the BRICS Summit was also a key theme of the meeting. “In 15 years, the BRICS has created its special identity, and now many countries of the world want to join it,” Modi said, highlighting the growing influence of the bloc. With new member states now part of the BRICS framework, the grouping’s importance as a counterweight to Western-dominated global institutions has only grown.

The inclusion of several countries enhances BRICS’ position as a platform for the Global South, offering an alternative voice in international discussions on economic cooperation, climate change, and multilateralism. Modi emphasised that India values its close cooperation within BRICS, calling it an "important platform for dialogue on key global issues."

With India’s ties to Russia remaining robust, India continues to navigate its complex relationships with other global powers, including China and Western nations. The potential for a Modi-Xi meeting on the sidelines of the summit reflects India’s effort to manage tensions with China, particularly after recent disengagement talks along their disputed border.

For India, the summit presents an opportunity to reinforce its strategic autonomy, forging partnerships that span both Eastern and Western blocs. As Modi stated before departing for Russia, "My visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia." This delicate balance, while challenging, is crucial for India as it seeks to maintain its influence on the global stage without becoming entangled in the deepening rifts between major world powers.