India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant two-day visit to Moscow, marking his first trip since Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine, which has strained the historic ties between the two nations and drawn Russia closer to China. Modi's itinerary includes a dinner meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin followed by discussions at the Kremlin on the following day. “I anticipate discussing all facets of bilateral collaboration with my esteemed colleague President Vladimir Putin and exchanging viewpoints on various regional and global matters,” stated Modi. “We aim to contribute to a peaceful and stable region.” Modi's previous visit to Russia was in 2019, when he participated in a conference in Vladivostok and held talks with Putin. The Indian Prime Minister also met with Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan in September 2022. Despite Western sanctions on Russia following the conflict with Ukraine that curtailed Russian exports to Western markets, Moscow remains a crucial provider of discounted oil and weaponry to India. However, Russia's increasing alignment with China and estrangement from the West have influenced its traditional partnership with India. Western nations, seeking India as a counterbalance to China's expanding influence, have encouraged New Delhi to distance itself from Russia. The China Factor: The India-China border confrontation in June 2020 exacerbated an already complex relationship between the two nations. Modi's absence from the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kazakhstan underlines the evolving dynamics in the region. 'Defence a Priority': Modi is expected to emphasize maintaining close ties with Russia, a significant supplier of defense equipment to India. With most of Moscow's defense industry resources diverted to the conflict in Ukraine, India has diversified its procurement sources. Over 60% of India's military assets are of Russian origin, necessitating a focus on defense collaboration. A proposed military logistics agreement between the two countries could enhance defense cooperation. Trade, including the development of a maritime corridor between Chennai and Vladivostok, will play a pivotal role in discussions, aiming to bolster the $65 billion bilateral trade between India and Russia. Notably, Modi's visit to Vienna following Moscow signifies India's efforts to strengthen global relations and trade partnerships.