Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Thursday that President Vladimir Putin will visit India this year, and preparations for the visit are already in progress. This will be President Putin’s first visit to India since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov appreciated the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for always taking a “balanced position” on the Ukraine crisis and supporting a solution through talks. The announcement of his visit comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is leading efforts to help bring a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump is also expected to visit India later this year for the Quad leaders’ summit. Lavrov also noted that PM Modi chose Russia for his first foreign visit following being re-elected for a third term. He said, “Now it’s our turn.”
India Stance On The Ukraine War
During their meeting, the two leaders are expected to discuss the Ukraine war and the changes in global politics after Donald Trump became US President.
India has stayed neutral in the Ukraine conflict. Even though PM Modi has told Putin that it is not the time for war, India has avoided criticizing Russia and has not supported UN resolutions condemning it. In 2024, PM Modi was one of the few leaders to visit both Moscow and Kyiv, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
When PM Modi visited Moscow for the Russia-India summit, the friendship between him and Putin was clear. The two leaders shared a warm hug, a firm handshake, and enjoyed tea together. Videos of them chatting, watching a horse show, and riding in a golf cart became very popular on social media.
India has a long history of strong ties with Russia, which supplies India with defense equipment. Due to the Western sanctions on Russia because of the Ukraine war, Russia has offered discounted oil to India. During PM Modi’s visit last year, both countries agreed to double their trade to $100 billion.
Key Points To Be Discussed
Ukraine Conflict and Global Diplomacy
The two leaders will discuss the ongoing war and talk about how India can help push for peace and dialogue.
Defense and Technology
They will talk about working together on military projects, defense cooperation, and new defense deals.
Energy Partnerships
They will discuss strengthening ties in areas like oil, gas, and nuclear energy.
Trade and Investment
The leaders will look at ways to boost business, deal with sanctions, and open up new markets.
Geopolitical Alignment
They are expected to talk about topics like BRICS, G20, UN reforms, and Russia’s role in the Global South. This visit is shaping up to be very important with high stakes.
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