PM Modi's Moscow Visit: Kremlin Spokesperson Takes a Swipe at West, Says Monitoring with Jealousy

PM Modi's Moscow Visit: According to a Russia-based news source, Tass, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's impending visit to Russia on July 8–9 is being watched by the West with a great deal of jealousy. PM Modi's first trip to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 will take place during this visit.

Kremlin Spokesperson Peskov's Perspective

PM Modi and President Putin will talk about important regional and international problems during their meeting in Moscow.

"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. Underscoring the importance of the Indo-Pacific developments for both Russia and India, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that they will probably discuss them extensively. After arriving, Prime Minister Modi will meet with members of the Indian community in Russia, pay a visit to the Kremlin, and have discussions with President Putin.

Restricted-Level Talks Kick Off Modi-Putin Engagements

"These engagements will begin with a restricted-level discussion between the two leaders, followed by delegation-level talks," stated Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. A lively community event showcasing the cultural connections between India and Russia will take place on July 8 and 9, just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for his formal visit to Moscow. The event will feature performances by Russian artists who have received training in Kathak dance.

The July 9 event is particularly significant since it falls during Prime Minister Modi's travel to Russia for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, which is being organized at President Vladimir Putin's request. At this community event, Russian dancers will perform Kathak, a traditional Indian dance style that they have been studying at cultural centers.

Peskov on Jealousy and Close Monitoring

According to Peskov, there is a strategic alliance between Russia and India. He also mentioned that there would be bilateral meetings in the Kremlin as well as delegation-based meetings. “We are expecting a very important and full-fledged visit, which is so crucial for Russian-Indian relations,” he was quoted as saying by the official Tass news agency.

Additionally, he emphasized how the West is "jealously" observing Modi's impending visit to Russia. “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,"  stated the Kremlin spokesman in answer to a query concerning Western politicians' envious view of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia.

Conflict's Ramifications on World Economy

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Prime Minister Modi has spoken with Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the phone many times, emphasizing the need to put a stop to the conflict that has affected the world economy.