Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Russia, received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Indian diaspora in Moscow upon his arrival at The Carlton Hotel on Monday. Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who greeted Modi at the Vnukovo-II International Airport, accompanied him to the hotel, where a large group of Indian expatriates had gathered to meet their leader.
Upon arrival at the hotel, PM Modi took time to personally greet and interact with members of the Indian community who had come to welcome him. Amid chants of “Modi, Modi,” people waved Indian flags and held posters of the Prime Minister, expressing their admiration and excitement. In a heartwarming gesture, Modi shook hands with several members of the diaspora, including children who were particularly thrilled to meet him. Artists dressed in traditional Indian attire performed to welcome the Indian leader, adding a cultural touch to the occasion.
In a rare move that underscored the importance of the visit, Denis Manturov accompanied PM Modi from the airport to the hotel in the same car, signifying the close ties between Russia and India. The cordial atmosphere of the reception highlighted the deep bond shared by the two nations and the respect the Indian leader enjoys among the diaspora and Russian officials alike.
Strengthening India-Russia relations
Modi’s visit to Moscow comes at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. Upon his arrival in Russia, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Vnukovo-II International Airport, reflecting the high regard in which he is held by the Russian government.
Expressing his optimism for the future of the India-Russia relationship, Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Landed in Moscow. Looking forward to further deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our nations, especially in futuristic areas of cooperation. Stronger ties between our nations will greatly benefit our people.”
During his visit, PM Modi will hold crucial bilateral talks with President Putin, focusing on a range of issues, including trade, energy, defense, and regional security. The visit is expected to further bolster the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two countries, a relationship that has grown stronger over the past several decades.
An eventful two-nation visit
PM Modi’s current trip is part of a larger two-nation visit, with the first leg in Russia followed by a stop in Austria. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as a crucial opportunity to accelerate the strategic partnership between India and Russia, emphasizing the importance of deepening ties with long-time allies.
Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, PM Modi issued a statement underscoring the significance of the visit. “Over the next three days, I will be in Russia and Austria. These visits will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these nations, with whom India has a time-tested friendship. I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community living in these countries,” Modi said.
PM Modi also expressed his eagerness to discuss key bilateral issues with President Putin, saying, “I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues. We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region.”
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A decade of strategic partnership
India and Russia share a long-standing and mutually beneficial diplomatic relationship, which has only deepened over the past decade. The two countries’ relationship was elevated to the level of a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010, and since then, they have continued to strengthen cooperation across various fields such as trade, energy, security, health, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
In his statement, Modi acknowledged the strides made in the India-Russia partnership, particularly in the last ten years. “The special and privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past decade, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
Looking ahead to Austria
After concluding his visit to Russia, PM Modi will head to Austria, marking the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 40 years. During his time in Austria, Modi will meet with President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer to discuss strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Austria, a nation that Modi described as a steadfast and reliable partner.
PM Modi’s visit to both Russia and Austria signifies India’s commitment to deepening ties with key global partners while reinforcing its role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The warm reception from the Indian diaspora in Moscow highlights the sense of pride and connection that Indian expatriates feel toward their homeland and their leader, making this visit a significant milestone in Modi’s foreign diplomacy.
