Diplomatic Dance: Jaishankar's Moscow Visit Amid Modi's Summit Snub

Diplomatic Dance: A diplomatic twist, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opted out of the annual summit with Russia for the second consecutive year, leaving External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take the stage in Moscow. The five-day visit, marked by strategic engagements and talks, seeks to strengthen the enduring partnership between India and Russia.

Jaishankar, a familiar face in Russian diplomatic circles having started his career there, expressed his anticipation upon landing in Moscow, tweeting, "Arrived in Moscow. Look forward to my engagements."

The annual summit, a tradition between Indian Prime Ministers and Russian Presidents, unfolds every alternate year in either country. However, the 22nd summit, which was slated to be hosted by Russia, faced an unexpected hiccup. Modi's absence is conspicuous, especially given the robust history of bilateral summits that have transpired 21 times, alternating between the two nations.

The last summit occurred on December 6, 2021, in New Delhi during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit. The disruption in the annual rhythm began with the outbreak of the Ukraine war, preventing Modi from attending last year's summit. Similarly, Putin couldn't make it to the G20 summit in Delhi in September this year. Now, with it being Modi's turn to reciprocate the visit, scheduling challenges seem to have thwarted the plans.

While official reasons for Modi's absence remain undisclosed, sources attribute it to scheduling conflicts. Jaishankar's mission, therefore, takes on added significance as he engages with the Russian leadership, reinforcing the enduring nature of the India-Russia partnership.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi emphasized, “The time-tested India-Russia partnership has remained stable and resilient and continues to be characterized by the spirit of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”

Jaishankar's agenda includes meetings with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, focusing on economic engagement. Talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov will span bilateral, multilateral, and international issues.

The discussions are anticipated to cover various facets of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy, defense, and connectivity. Notably, India has a longstanding defense cooperation with Russia, with a significant dependency on Russian supplies, accounting for 60 to 70 percent, albeit with efforts to diversify sources.

Post the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has navigated economic ties adeptly, securing discounted Russian oil to alleviate inflationary pressures. Despite not explicitly condemning the invasion, India voiced concern over the Bucha massacre and Russian leaders' nuclear rhetoric. Modi's diplomatic stance has received praise from Putin, emphasizing the need for a resolution through diplomacy and dialogue.

Beyond defense and economic ties, Russia remains a crucial partner for India in nuclear energy and space exploration. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant project and collaboration in outer space underpin the multifaceted nature of their alliance.

As Jaishankar engages in discussions, the intricacies of these partnerships will undoubtedly surface, reaffirming the resilient bond between India and Russia. While Modi's absence at the summit raises questions, Jaishankar's visit serves as a diplomatic overture, ensuring the flame of the strategic partnership continues to burn brightly.