Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a crucial visit to Russia, from 8-9 July, and Vienna, from 9-10 July, this year. These visits aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and address the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Russia plays a crucial role in India’s foreign policy, and the countries’ ties have, so far, resulted in a fruitful strategic partnership. This visit aimed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including defence, trade, and energy under the banner of the 22nd India-Russia annual summit. Vienna, the Austrian capital, is an important centre for diplomacy, trade, and culture for India. Hence, it focused on strengthening India’s relations with Austria and the European Union as it was the first in over forty-one years, since PM Indira Gandhi’s visit.
PM Modi held important bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. These meetings focused on enhancing cooperation, discussing regional issues, and exploring ways to deepen economic ties. The defence sector was a prominent area of focus as India and Russia have a long history of defence cooperation. The visit aimed to further strengthen this cooperation as both sides discussed potential new defence projects, including joint manufacturing of military equipment. Energy is vital to India-Russia ties as India relies heavily on Russian energy imports. This visit focused on enhancing energy cooperation, including discussions on natural gas supplies and potential joint energy projects. PM Modi also called upon the Russian president to look for a solution to the Ukraine issue without engaging in hard power tactics to force the country into submission.[i]
PM Modi was welcomed by the Chancellor Karl Nehammar, upon his arrival in Vienna, Austria where he was part of bilateral meetings with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and other senior officials. These focused majorly on enhancing trade ties, exploring political and security cooperation, sustainable economic partnership, and discussing regional issues. Trade and investment were important areas of focus during the visit. Climate change and clean energy were also discussed during the visit as India and Austria share common objectives in these areas, and both sides expressed their commitment to promoting sustainable development and combating climate change. The importance of scientific research and cooperation in the technology sector can be explored through the mutual interests of both countries, to build an eco-friendlier infrastructure for the same. The goals that Austria adopted at the European Union level for climate neutrality by 2040 and the Indian government’s goal of zero emissions by 2070 were also included in the discussions.[ii] Prime Minister Modi also addressed the Indian diaspora in Austria, while talking about a better future for people-to-people ties between the two countries.[iii]
The two-nation visit concluded with the signing of a total of nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between India and Russia focusing mostly on trade, climate, healthcare, capacity building, etc.[iv] Insightful discussions on future collaborations between the Indian and Austrian governments in areas of climate change and sustainable infrastructure intend to further diplomatic engagement.
PM Modi’s visit to Russia and Vienna in July 2024 was a significant milestone in India’s foreign policy. It strengthened bilateral ties with Russia and Austria, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in various fields. This visit demonstrated India’s commitment to building strategic partnerships and addressing global challenges.
Blog by: Rehet Bains, Research Intern, CS3
[i] Bureau, The Hindu. “PM Modi in Russia Highlights: PM Modi, Vladimir Putin to Hold Key Annual Summit.” The Hindu, July 11, 2024. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-narendra-modi-russia-visit-putin-talks-live-updates-july-9-2024/article68383655.ece.
[ii] MEA | bilateral/multilateral documents, July 10, 2024. https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?53/Bilateral/Multilateral_Documents.
[iii] PM addresses the Indian Community in Austria | prime minister of India, July 10, 2024. https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-addresses-the-indian-community-in-austria/.
[iv] List of outcomes: Official visit of prime minister Shri Narendra Modi to Russia, July 9, 2024. https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/37941/List+of+outcomes+Official+visit+of+Prime+Minister+Shri+Narendra+Modi+to+Russia.