Russia’s Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin in India ahead of President Putin’s planned visit

Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of Russia’s State Duma, has arrived in New Delhi for an official visit, setting the stage for President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated trip to India soon. The visit of the Duma Chairman aims to strengthen Russia-India cooperation in a variety of sectors, including economic, cultural, educational, and technological areas.

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

His meetings in India will focus on deepening bilateral relations, particularly in areas like trade, defense, and technology. Talks are also expected to cover the growth of inter-parliamentary dialogue between Russia and India. The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has confirmed that Volodin will meet with Indian leadership and visit both houses of the Indian Parliament during his visit.

Putin’s Upcoming Visit

Volodin’s visit comes ahead of President Putin’s planned trip to India, expected to take place soon. This will mark Putin’s first visit to India since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While specific dates have not been announced, the visit is seen as a significant moment in the continued strengthening of Russia-India ties. Preparations for the trip have already begun, with recent meetings between Indian and Russian officials to discuss the agenda.

Prime Minister Modi’s US visit and new sanctions on Russia

Simultaneously, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for his own visit to the United States later this month. This comes amid new sanctions imposed by the US on Russia, targeting Russian oil companies — Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as Russian oil-carrying vessels. These sanctions are part of the broader US strategy to reduce Russia’s revenue and limit its ability to fund the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Balancing Global Ties

Despite global pressure, India has maintained its stance of not condemning Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Instead, India has consistently called for dialogue and peaceful resolution to the conflict. This approach reflects India’s broader foreign policy objective of balancing its strategic relations with Russia, the US, and other global partners.

Significance of the visit

As Volodin’s visit signals continued high-level engagement between Russia and India, the upcoming trip of President Putin is expected to further cement the longstanding partnership between the two nations. As India navigates its relationships with both Russia and the U.S., the coming months will be crucial for shaping the future of Russia-India relations.