Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India, ‘arrangements’ underway

PM Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin (Courtesy: Reuters file photo)

Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov has said that arrangements are currently being made for Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India, Russian news agency TASS reported.

“President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian head of government. A visit by the Russian head of state to the Republic of India is currently being prepared,” the Russian foreign minister announced.

Lavrov observed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his first foreign visit to Russia upon his re-election for a third term in the general election held last year. "Now it's our turn," he said.

Last year, PM Modi had visited the country twice -- once in July as a part of the agreements within the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership, followed by a second visit in October to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.

Putin and Modi maintain regular contacts through telephonic conversations and in-person meetings on the sideline of key international events.

On India's 76th Republic Day, Putin sent his best wishes to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending India's progress over the years. He praised India’s achievements in socio-economic growth, scientific advancements, and global prominence. He also emphasised the lasting and strong strategic partnership between Russia and India.

"Russian-Indian relations are based on special and privileged strategic partnership. I am confident that we will use joint efforts to continue to consistently build up productive bilateral cooperation across all areas, as well as constructive interaction in international affairs. Without a doubt, this meets the fundamental interests of our friendly peoples and is in line with the efforts to form a fair multipolar international order," he said on Russia's relationship with India.

Earlier, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov had stated that the dates for Putin's India visit would be finalised early in 2025.