PM Modi's Russia Visit: Kremlin says 'West jealously watching

Moscow: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that the West is closely and jealously watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Russia on July 8-9, according to a Russia-based news agency, Tass.

Kremlin's View on Western Reaction

"They are jealous - that means they are closely monitoring it. Their close monitoring means they attach great importance to it. And they are not mistaken, there is something to attach great importance to," Peskov was quoted as saying by Tass.

Agenda in Moscow

PM Modi's agenda in Moscow includes discussions with President Putin on regional and global issues of mutual importance. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted that the Indo-Pacific developments would likely feature prominently in their talks, underscoring its significance to both India and Russia.

Engagements and Discussions

Following his arrival, PM Modi will engage with the Indian community in Russia and visit the Kremlin, followed by talks with President Putin. "These engagements will begin with a restricted-level discussion between the two leaders, followed by delegation-level talks," stated Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

Cultural Ties Highlighted

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for his official visit to Moscow from July 8 to 9, a vibrant community event is set to highlight cultural ties between India and Russia, featuring performances by Russian artists trained in Kathak dance.

Significance of the Visit

Earlier, speaking to ANI, India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia "very significant" and noted that it is taking place after a gap of three years. Vinay Kumar stated that the visit of PM Modi is "very important" for the two leaders to exchange views on developments in bilateral ties and discuss other regional and important issues of mutual interest. He said that the two nations have the tradition of an annual exchange of summit-level meetings between the Russian President and Indian Prime Minister and added that the last one took place in 2021.

Annual Bilateral Summit

This will be the 22nd India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit. The 21st bilateral Summit was held in December 2021 when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited New Delhi.

First Overseas Visit Significance

Asked about the importance of PM Modi's first overseas visit after being sworn in as PM of India for the third time, he responded, "The visit is very significant. It is taking place after a gap of three years. We have the tradition of the annual exchange of summit-level meetings between the President of the Russian Federation and the Prime Minister of India and the last one was in 2021. So, since then, a lot has changed around the world, but also our relations have expanded."

(With ANI inputs)