Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in historic city of Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia, for the 16th BRICS summit on Tuesday. PM Modi’s first day of the Kazan visit marked bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and newly elected Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping on October 23.
The Prime Minister’s first formal engagement was a bilateral meeting with President Putin, the host of the 16th BRICS Summit. Held at the Governor’s Palace, the meeting focused on reviewing the progress made in bilateral relations since their last summit in July in Moscow. This visit marks the Prime Minister’s seventh trip to Russia in the past decade and his second this year.
“This is my second visit to Russia in the last three months, and this demonstrates the close coordination and strong friendship between our countries. And thanks to our discussions, our cooperation in all areas has strengthened,’’ said PM Modi in Kazan.
Comprehensive Discussions
The two leaders had an extensive agenda, covering a wide range of bilateral issues including trade, economic cooperation, energy, defense, connectivity, education, and people-to-people ties. They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern. President Putin expressed his appreciation for India’s constructive contributions to the BRICS Summit documents.
“The two leaders also exchanged views on several matters concerning BRICS and President Putin expressed his appreciation for India’s constructive attitude and contributions in concluding the documents related to the Kazan BRICS Summit” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
The leaders also shared perspectives on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In their talks, PM Modi emphasized that war and conflict do not provide solutions and stressed the need for direct engagement between the involved parties. He highlighted India’s readiness to assist in any way possible, referencing his visits to Moscow and Kyiv earlier this year, and his engagement with various leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UNGA in New York. India’s stance is also reflected in his visits to Moscow and Kyiv, and the involvement of the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
“Prime Minister reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward to achieve resolution of the conflict. He briefed President Putin about his engagements with the Ukrainian leadership and noted that India stood ready to contribute in bringing peace to the region” said Misri.
Discharge of Indian Nationals in the Russian Army
A significant topic of discussion was the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army. Both sides acknowledged the progress made, with several Indian nationals having returned to India in recent months. The embassy is currently pursuing around 20 cases, with hopes for their early release and repatriation.
“We understand that currently the embassy is pursuing around 20 cases with the Russian side and we very much hope that all of these individuals can be released at an early date and be repatriated to India very soon.”
The leaders expressed satisfaction with ongoing defense cooperation and agreed to hold the next meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Cooperation Group on Defense Cooperation in Moscow soon. Additionally, as agreed at their 22nd Annual Summit, India will host the 25th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on trade, technical, economic, and cultural cooperation in New Delhi on November 12, 2024. The Russian delegation will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
“The two sides also expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defense cooperation and agreed to hold the next meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Cooperation Group on Defense Cooperation in Moscow at an early date” said Misri.
Historical significance of Kazan
Kazan, a city with deep historical links to India, once lay on an ancient trade route. Kazan was a significant hub for merchants and travelers from various regions, including India. These routes facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between the East and the West.
Upon arrival at the airport, he received a warm welcome from His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Mayor of Kazan. The Prime Minister was accorded a Guard of Honor and experienced a traditional Tatar welcome, complete with the presentation of bread and the Tatar dessert, chak-chak, by the local people. Upon arriving at his hotel, PM Modi was greeted by members of the Indian community in Kazan. The local ISKCON branch sang Sanskrit chants, and Russian artists performed traditional Indian dances, Kathak and Garba, to welcome him.
PM Modi saw a photo exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi that highlighted the Gandhi’s engagement with Leo Tolstoy. This is particularly significant as Leo Tolstoy had studied in Kuzan for several years. Leo Tolstoy was said to have a profound effect on Gandhi’s Satyagrahi ideologies, and the two communed via letters for a year before Tolstoy’s death in 1910.
PM Modi also reiterated that India is working with Russia to open a new consulate in Kazan in the near future, alongside another consulate announced for Yekaterinburg, informed Vikram Misri.
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