Vladimir Putin To Visit India Soon, First Since Start Of Ukraine War

Russia confirmed that President Vladimir Putin would visit India soon following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Moscow last year. This will be the first visit by Putin, who has cultivated close ties with PM Modi, since the war with Ukraine broke out in 2022.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said preparations were underway for Putin’s visit to India, even though he didn’t give any specific dates. PM Modi chose Russia for his first foreign visit after being re-elected for a third term, Lavrov said, now it’s our turn. The two leaders are expected to discuss the Ukraine war as well as the geopolitical upheaval following Donald Trump taking over as US President.

India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, even though PM Modi has repeatedly told Putin that it was not the era of war. India has also abstained from resolutions passed by the United Nations condemning Russia and has refrained from publicly criticising Putin.

PM Modi’s bonhomie with Putin grabbed the attention. The two leaders shared a warm hug followed by a firm handshake as PM Modi arrived at Putin’s residence. Videos of Modi and Putin chatting over tea, watching a horse show, and the Russian President driving the Prime Minister around his residence in a golf cart went viral on social media.

India has a decades-long alliance with Russia, which has become a key supplier of defence equipment over the years. Moreover, Russia, facing western sanctions over the Ukraine war, has offered India discounted oil. During PM Modi’s visit last year, the two countries agreed to double bilateral trade to USD 100 billion.