Vladimir Putin accepts PM Modi's invite to visit India: What to expect and why it's crucial

PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin - File Photo

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday confirmed that President Vladimir Putin accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India, and preparations were underway for it.

Lavrov noted that Prime Minister Modi's first foreign visit after his re-election last year was to Russia. "Now it’s our turn," he said. However, the dates of the visit have not been revealed yet.

PM Modi visited Russia in July 2024, his first trip to the country in nearly five years. Earlier, he visited the far eastern city of Vladivostok in 2019 to attend an economic conclave. Putin last travelled to India in December 2021 for an annual summit and the proposed visit will be the first since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The announcement of the proposed visit underscores the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations amidst a complex and rapidly evolving global landscape.

While the agenda of the meeting remains unknown, we can expect a focus on key areas that have historically defined strategic partnership between the two countries, such as defence ties, energy cooperation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Also, the visit will be keenly watched across the globe as it comes at a time when the US is imposing punitive tariffs on countries, including its closest allies like India. It also comes at a time when US is facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and recently held separate talks with the two countries in Riyadh.

Russia has been a principal supplier of military equipment to India, with landmark deals such as the acquisition of the S-400 missile defence systems exemplifying this partnership.

India and Russia are both members of key multilateral organizations, such as the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The visit will provide an opportunity to discuss cooperation within these forums and to coordinate their positions on global issues.

The agenda is also expected to include exploring opportunities for co-development and co-production of advanced defense technologies under India's 'Make in India' initiative.

Putin and Modi maintain regular contact, holding telephone conversations once every couple of months. The two leaders also hold in-person meetings, particularly on the sidelines of international events.