Putin accepts PM Modi's invite, to visit India soon; Russia-Ukraine war likely to feature in talks
PTC Web Desk: In a major development aimed at deepening strategic relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon. The announcement was made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who confirmed that preparations for the high-profile visit are currently underway.
During a televised address, Lavrov said both nations are working towards taking their bilateral partnership to new heights. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi made Russia his first foreign destination after being re-elected for a third consecutive term. Now it is our turn to visit India," Lavrov stated, hinting at the reciprocal nature of this diplomatic exchange.
The Russian foreign minister, however, did not disclose the exact dates of President Putin’s visit. He merely mentioned that arrangements are being made, and details would be shared at an appropriate time.
The proposed visit is seen as a significant step towards bolstering the decades-old relationship between India and Russia, which has remained resilient despite global geopolitical shifts. Over the years, both nations have enjoyed strong ties in areas such as defense, energy, space, and trade. President Putin's upcoming visit is expected to give further momentum to ongoing collaborations, including joint defense production, energy cooperation, and regional security dialogue.
This visit also gains importance in the backdrop of Prime Minister Modi’s recent two-day visit to Moscow, which was his first international trip after assuming office for the third time. During that visit, both leaders held wide-ranging talks and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen strategic and economic cooperation.
Experts believe that Putin’s visit to India will not only serve as a reciprocal gesture but also provide an opportunity for both sides to explore fresh avenues of cooperation amidst a rapidly evolving global order.
India and Russia have traditionally shared a time-tested partnership, and both leaderships have frequently emphasised the need to expand cooperation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital economy, connectivity, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
While the official dates are yet to be announced, diplomatic circles suggest that the visit could take place later this year. The formal confirmation of the schedule is expected after consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries.
- With inputs from agencies
