[Analytics] Modi’s visit to Russian Eastern Economic Forum in 10 points

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the Russian city of Vladivostok beginning Wednesday, India and Russia are expected to firm up a five-year roadmap for deeper cooperation in the oil and gas sector apart from sealing a raft of agreements in several key areas, reported the India Today.

In his departure statement ahead of his visit to Russia, Modi said on Tuesday that strong bilateral partnership is complemented by a desire to promote a multi-polar world and the two countries cooperate extensively in the strategic fields of defence, civil nuclear energy and peaceful uses of space.

Modi also said he looks forward to discussing regional and international issues of mutual interest with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Vladivostok on September 4 and 5.

This will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the Far East Region of Russia. Modi said that the Russian Far East region has enormous potential for developing close and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Here are 10 things that Modi will do in Russia on his two-day visit:

1. In Vladivostok, Modi and Putin will hold the 20th India-Russia annual summit on September 4.

“The 20th India-Russia Annual Summit would also be held during the visit to Vladivostok. I look forward to holding extensive talks with President Putin, aimed at strengthening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” Modi said in a tweet on Tuesday.

2. The prime minister and the Russian president will make a joint visit to one of Russia’s major ship-building yards.

“In Russia, there would also be a visit to the Zvezda ship-building complex. It would present a great opportunity to learn about Russia’s exemplary capabilities in the ship-building sector as well as explore possibilities of cooperation in this area,” the PM tweeted.

3. On September 5, Modi will attend the Eastern Economic Forum as the chief guest and hold bilateral talks with several leaders on the sidelines of the event.

He said, “This Forum presents a great opportunity to further deepen commercial and economic ties between India and Russia.

4. Modi and Putin will visit an international judo championship in Vladivostok in which a six-member Indian team is participating.

5. A number of agreements, including in the coal mining and power sectors, are expected to be firmed up during Modi’s around 36-hour visit.

6. The possibility of opening a maritime route, connecting Chennai with Vladivostok, will also be explored as it could link Europe as well through the arctic route. India is also looking at cooperation in the farming sector besides exploring the possibility of sending skilled manpower to Russia.

7. Expanding cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector will be a major focus area during the prime minister’s visit to Vladivostok.

Both sides are expected to firm up a five-year roadmap 2019-2024 laying out possibilities of cooperation in oil and gas sector, in terms of exploration and exploitation, and purchase.

At present, India relies heavily on the Gulf region for its energy requirement. India is looking at Russia as a major source of hydrocarbons so as to end its complete dependency on the Gulf region.

8. Some letters of intent will also be signed between Indian public sector companies and Russian entities for development of oil and gas fields in Russia.

India may announce investment in new oil fields in Russia and something concrete may come up on import of LNG from Russia. The possibility of oil and gas supply from the Arctic will also be explored during the prime minister’s visit.

9. In the summit talks, the two leaders are expected to discuss a number of key regional issues, including the Afghan peace process and situation in the Gulf region.

10. They are also expected to explore ways to enhance cooperation while working in multilateral organisations like Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China and South Africa).

(With inputs from PTI)