Discordant Narratives Arise in Modi-Putin Phone Call Ahead of SCO Summit, Amid Wagner Mutiny

New Delhi, India – In a recent development that has sparked curiosity and speculation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India and the Kremlin issued divergent statements regarding a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on 30th June. As world leaders, including PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, gather virtually for the 22nd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) hosted by India, the conflicting narratives surrounding the phone call continue to attract attention.

This significant summit marks President Putin’s first participation in a multilateral event since Russia faced a mutiny just last month. As part of the SCO summit, which includes the heads of member countries such as China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, Putin will address the global audience on Tuesday.

India, currently holding the one-year SCO presidency, has chosen to conduct the summit in a virtual format. The timing of the event is noteworthy, occurring just a week after PM Modi’s highly anticipated official state visit to the United States, where numerous defense, technology, and private sector agreements were secured.

The summit also takes place against the backdrop of an unprecedented internal security crisis in the Putin administration, triggered by a mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Russia’s Wagner Private Military Company. This incident raised concerns about a potential coup; however, Prigozhin eventually quelled the rebellion. Furthermore, Russia remains embroiled in a war with Ukraine.

The disparity in the communication

During the telephone conversation between Modi and Putin on 30th June, the Wagner mutiny was discussed. However, notable discrepancies emerged in the official statements released by the Indian and Russian sides regarding the content of the call, reports Indian Express.

READ: “They’ll crush you like a bug,” Lukashenko spoke about his participation in negotiations with Putin and Prigozhin

The MEA’s concise 86-word readout stated that Putin briefed PM Modi on recent developments in Russia, and the two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, with the Indian PM reiterating his call for dialogue and diplomacy. The readout further highlighted a review of bilateral cooperation progress and the exchange of views on regional and global matters of mutual interest.

In contrast, the Kremlin’s more detailed 197-word readout indicated that PM Modi expressed “understanding and support for the decisive actions of the Russian leadership to protect law and order, ensure stability in the country and the security of its citizens” during the Wagner mutiny, reports The Wire. The Kremlin statement also mentioned that Modi briefed Putin about his recent visit to the United States, which was absent from the MEA’s document.

Additionally, the Kremlin’s communication emphasized that “special attention” was given to the SCO, a point not included in the Indian readout.

It is worth noting that earlier reports had indicated that the SCO summit would be held physically in New Delhi. However, in May, the MEA announced the shift to a virtual format without providing a specific reason for the change.

As the SCO summit approaches, the contrasting narratives surrounding the Modi-Putin phone call have generated intrigue and speculation. The divergent accounts have raised questions about the nature of the discussions and the differing priorities of the two nations. The international community eagerly awaits the SCO summit, which may offer further insights into the dynamics between India, Russia, and other member countries amidst the Wagner mutiny and broader geopolitical developments.