Russian President Vladimir Putin will be visiting India in early 2025 after being invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed.
The visit is scheduled in line with the annual meetings that have been held between the two leaders over the years.
"Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn," Ushakov said at a press briefing.
He said Russia has received the invitation from PM Modi and would respond positively.
"We will figure out the tentative dates early next year," he noted.
The announcement underscores the deep ties between New Delhi and Moscow, even as global geopolitical tensions continue to shape international relations.
Putin's visit to India will focus on strengthening strategic cooperation in critical areas such as Defence, energy, and trade.
The last visit by the Russian President to India was on 6th December 2021 when he attended the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi.
The Prime Minister of India had two high-profile visits to Russia this year. First, he attended the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July. He later attended the BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October.
PM Modi said that India remains committed to making efforts for peace in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war.
"We are in regular contact regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As I have mentioned before, we believe that disputes should be resolved peacefully. India fully supports the earliest establishment of peace and stability," the Prime Minister had remarked during his bilateral meeting with Putin in Kazan.
PM Modi also said India was ready to co-operate in resolving the conflict and that his approach was humanitarian.
"In all our efforts, humanity remains our priority, and we are prepared to provide assistance wherever possible," he said.
Putin's impending visit comes amid the global limelight remaining steadily on the Russia-Ukraine war and its broader implications on the international front. This visit is anticipated to further consolidate ties between New Delhi and Moscow in the context of bilateral relationships as it faces mounting pressures from western powers on both sides.
Although Russia is now isolated from many other countries, India has still been striking a balance, keeping dialogue open and advocating peace. The ICC has also helped India keep away from international pressure against Putin by not joining the institution; thus, Putin's travel to New Delhi can take place without the scare of the ICC arrest warrant against him for war crimes in Ukraine.
Since the ICC warrant against him requires the countries to keep him in detention, Putin has been cutting down his foreign visits enormously in recent times. India happens to be a non-signatory to the Rome Statute, so there is nothing binding upon the country; hence, India remains free to offer an open podium for both countries to hold further bilateral talks.
As Putin's visit approaches, discussions are likely to center on bolstering partnerships in Defence, energy, and trade -- pillars of the India-Russia relationship. With a focus on countering global economic and political pressures, the visit is expected to reaffirm the longstanding camaraderie between New Delhi and Moscow.
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