PM Modi's Russia visit aims to prepare for Global uncertainty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Russia for a bilateral summit with President Vladimir Putin is crucial for India's strategic planning. With the Ukraine war likely to escalate and ongoing conflicts in Gaza, this meeting holds significant importance. During the visit, PM Modi aims to discuss India's position on these global issues and seek ways to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy.

The geopolitical landscape is becoming increasingly challenging for India. In January 2025, Pakistan, guided by Munir Akram, will join the UN Security Council as a temporary member. Pakistan's close ally, China, may use this opportunity to push resolutions against India, particularly concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Compounding this, India will not be a member of the International Human Rights Council next year, making it harder to counter reports of human rights violations.

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Proactive diplomacy needed

Given these developments, India must be proactive on the international stage. PM Modi's visit to Russia underscores the need for strong alliances and strategic partnerships. It has become clear that the West, particularly through the G-7, intends to intensify the conflict in Ukraine. In response, President Putin has hinted at arming adversaries of the West and has not ruled out the use of tactical nuclear weapons.

The July summit between PM Modi and President Putin is expected to focus more on sharing worldviews than on bilateral agreements. This is crucial as India must navigate a complex international environment, including potential political shifts in the UK and France and the upcoming US presidential elections.

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India's position is further complicated by the strengthening ties between Russia and China. Despite Western criticism, India cannot afford to see Russia aligning closely with China, given India's dependence on Russian military supplies. Additionally, the Chinese Navy's expansion in the Indian Ocean Region, leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), requires India to adopt a nimble and proactive diplomatic stance. Fence-sitting is no longer an option, and India must actively engage with global powers to protect its strategic interests.