 "Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. File image/ Reuters")
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India soon, as Moscow makes arrangements for his trip, the first since the start of the Ukraine war.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the announcement on Wednesday at a video conference, saying, “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.”
He added that Russia is striving to strengthen bilateral ties with major global powers like India, with whom the country shares a “privileged strategic partnership.” Earlier this week, Lavrov highlighted the efforts made by countries like India, China and other BRICS and SCO members in shaping a multipolar world.
“We enjoy a particularly privileged strategic partnership with India,” the foreign minister was quoted as saying in Russian media.
Lavrov also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia as his first foreign trip after getting re-elected for the third time last year. “Now it’s our turn,” he said.
India and Russia share a long-standing and strong strategic partnership, which has evolved over decades. Russia has been a key defense supplier to India, and the two countries have collaborated on several military, space, and energy projects.
Additionally, both nations advocate for a multipolar world order and often support each other on global platforms, such as the United Nations. Despite changing global dynamics, India-Russia relations remain robust, with a focus on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing mutual challenges.