Petrosian kicks the knight on e5 but on the other hand, his bishop on g7 will be restricted and some weakness will be created as well.
With the bishop trade, the weaknesses on the light squares on the queenside will be more evident, especially the c6-square, a fantastic outpost for a knight. This is a pattern that we have seen in previous examples as well.
3...Qb7+ 4.Qf3 This is the idea. After the queen trade, the c6-square will again be accessible for the knight.
Guaranteeing an outpost on c6 for the knight. From there, it will block the c-file and there will be some Ne7+ ideas in the air.