Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, with dates currently being finalized, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced on Tuesday. This visit will be Putin’s first trip to India since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the invitation during their summit in Moscow in July. Modi, who also attended the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October, expressed gratitude for Russia’s hospitality and invited Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in 2025.
Speaking at an event organized by the Sputnik news agency in Delhi, Peskov highlighted the deep strategic partnership shared by India and Russia. “Our trade and economic cooperation is booming,” he noted, citing bilateral trade figures that jumped from $35.3 billion in 2022 to $56.7 billion in 2023. With trade already touching $30 billion in the first half of 2024, projections suggest it will surpass $60 billion by year-end.
Putin’s visit comes as global geopolitics undergo significant realignments. It follows the recent election of US President Donald Trump, who is also expected to visit India next year for the Quad Summit. The timing underscores India’s growing role as a pivotal player in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
Last week, Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov visited India, engaging in high-level discussions with Indian officials and addressing the Russian-Indian Business Forum in Mumbai. The forum emphasized enhancing trade and economic ties between the two nations, further setting the stage for Putin’s visit.
Putin’s upcoming trip reinforces India and Russia’s “special privileged strategic partnership”, showcasing their commitment to strengthening ties amid a rapidly changing global landscape.