As the United States, under President Donald Trump, imposes retaliatory tariffs on India, Russia is poised to bolster its ties with the South Asian nation. Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, having accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed the upcoming visit on Thursday during a video address at the conference titled “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda,” hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC). He stated, “Arrangements are currently being made for Putin to visit India.” Lavrov highlighted that Putin has accepted Modi’s invitation, and the visit is actively being prepared.
India-Russia bilateral ties
Lavrov also reflected on the history of high-level visits between the two nations. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first foreign visit after his re-election last year was to Russia. “Now it’s our turn,” Lavrov remarked, emphasising the reciprocal nature of their diplomatic relations.
In July 2024, Modi visited Russia, marking his first trip to the country in nearly five years since his attendance at the economic conclave in Vladivostok in 2019. During that visit, Modi extended an invitation to Putin to visit India.
While the exact dates of Putin’s visit have not yet been disclosed, the visit is expected to reinforce the longstanding strategic partnership between India and Russia.
(With PTI inputs)