Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s whirlwind visit to Russia, right after taking office, has ignited a storm of criticism, especially from Western circles. The visit, coming on the heels of Modi’s participation in the G7 summit, raises eyebrows among those who argue that Russia is a waning power overly reliant on China, suggesting that India should strengthen ties with the West instead.
Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia has apparently upset Zelensky and some politicians in the West. Mainstream media outlets were also quick to show their disapproval, despite the fact that Indian PM stated that his country ‘has always been on the side of peace.’ pic.twitter.com/KlzIHSXema
— RT (@RT_com) July 11, 2024
Modi’s Moscow trip, however, is a strategic move to reaffirm India’s long-standing relationship with Russia, despite pressure from the West to distance itself due to the Ukraine conflict. The resumption of high-level talks, disrupted by the pandemic and Russia’s preoccupations, was crucial to signal that bilateral relations remain strong.
Attending the G7 summit first was a calculated decision, allowing Modi to engage with key Western leaders and reaffirm India’s foreign policy continuity. His subsequent visit to Russia underscores the importance of maintaining diverse strategic partnerships, especially in a world increasingly divided by a new Cold War-like atmosphere.
The West’s exasperation with India’s neutral stance on Ukraine is palpable, now magnified by Modi’s embrace of Putin. This act drew sharp rebukes, including a scathing remark from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who criticized Modi for “hugging a criminal.” This irony wasn’t lost, considering Zelenskyy’s own controversial decisions like postponing elections and suppressing opposition, which have tainted his democratic credentials.
Exciting time to be in Russia.
Prime Minister Modi will meet with President Putin today, a visit that signals the Indian leader’s determination to stick to his own diplomatic path even as the West continues to isolate Moscow over its war on Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/ss0KkxJBXb
— Janvi Sonaiya (@JanviSonaiya) July 8, 2024
Critics within India also question the wisdom of Modi’s warm approach to Putin, especially amidst ongoing conflicts. However, Modi tactfully addressed these concerns, condemning the loss of innocent lives and advocating for dialogue over warfare, a nuanced stance that aligns with India’s call for peace without taking sides.
India’s steadfast neutrality on the Ukraine issue – abstaining from UN votes and resisting US pressure to cut ties with Russia – is rooted in safeguarding its broader national interests. This independent stance, though frustrating for the West, underscores India’s strategic autonomy.
Modi’s visit coinciding with the NATO summit sparked further criticism. Yet, India’s scheduling isn’t beholden to NATO’s calendar. Modi had already engaged with core NATO members at the G7, and India’s foreign policy decisions reflect its priorities, not Western sensitivities.
Why PM Modi’s Russia visit is sending jitters down the spine of the West
Cc: @ThePulseIndia pic.twitter.com/EC20yVAKWE
— Erri Gulabi (@ErriGulabi) July 13, 2024
The US predictably voiced its views on Modi’s Russia trip, with the National Security Adviser advising India against banking on Russia long-term due to its ties with China. Such remarks highlight ongoing political differences but do not overshadow India’s need to maintain balanced international relationships.
The essence of Modi’s Moscow visit was to rekindle high-level dialogue, assess bilateral ties, and navigate the complexities introduced by Western sanctions on Russia. With Russia and China presenting a united front against the West, India must carefully balance its relationships to preserve strategic autonomy.
Major Points
- Modi’s visit to Russia drew criticism from the West, urging a pivot to stronger Western ties due to Russia’s alignment with China.
- The visit reaffirms India’s long-standing relationship with Russia despite Western pressure over the Ukraine conflict.
- Modi balanced attending the G7 and visiting Russia, emphasizing the importance of diverse strategic partnerships.
- Zelenskyy criticized Modi’s meeting with Putin, despite his own controversial democratic decisions.
- The visit aimed to rekindle high-level dialogue and reaffirm a balanced, long-term partnership amidst global tensions.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
