Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India Soon
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, as confirmed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This visit, which will be Putin’s first to India since the onset of the Ukraine war in February 2022, is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing economic cooperation between the two nations.
Timing of the Visit: While specific dates have not yet been announced, it is expected that Putin will travel to India later this year, potentially in the second half, for an annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Context of the Visit: The visit follows an invitation from Modi during his trip to Russia last year. Lavrov noted that after Modi’s re-election, he chose Russia for his first foreign visit, emphasizing that “now it’s our turn” for reciprocal engagement.
Bilateral Relations Focus: The discussions during this visit are anticipated to focus on enhancing trade and economic ties, with both countries aiming to double their bilateral trade to over $100 billion annually. This aligns with Russia’s broader strategy to redefine its relationship with India amidst changing global dynamics.
Significance: The visit underscores the importance of India-Russia relations, especially as India has maintained a neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict and has advocated for dialogue over military solutions.
This upcoming visit signifies a pivotal moment in reinforcing the long-standing partnership between India and Russia.
