RUSSIA’S PRESIDENT PUTIN TO VISIT INDIA
The dates to be announced soon, confirms KREMLIN
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India soon, as confirmed by the Kremlin , which indicated that Moscow and New Delhi are currently “working on the dates.” This visit, anticipated to occur early next year, will be part of a structured framework facilitating reciprocal annual visits between the leaders of the two nations.
While specific details regarding the agenda of the visit were not disclosed, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed optimism, stating, “We are looking forward to the visit. The dates will be mutually worked out soon.” The announcement regarding President Putin’s impending visit coincided with the 1,000th day of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the same day that Russia revised its nuclear doctrine for the second time, enabling Moscow to consider targeting non-nuclear states if deemed necessary. Despite ongoing peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict has experienced notable escalation recently, particularly following US President Joe Biden’s authorization for Kyiv to utilize long-range missiles targeting strategic areas within Russia. During his visit, President Putin is expected to engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
The two leaders last convened during PM Modi’s attendance at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in late October, during which PM Modi extended an invitation for President Putin to come to India. In their previous discussions, Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s commitment to pursuing peaceful resolutions to conflicts, particularly in relation to the Russia-Ukraine situation. He stated, “We have maintained contact with all parties involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Our position has consistently been that dialogue is essential for resolving disputes. India stands ready to assist in fostering peace.”
India and Russia share a longstanding ‘special and privileged strategic partnership,’ and Prime Minister Modi has reiterated New Delhi’s willingness to contribute in any way possible toward ending the war and achieving a resolution acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine.
In pursuit of this goal, PM Modi dispatched National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to Moscow, reportedly with a peace proposal, where he engaged in discussions with President Putin. Since starting his third consecutive term as Prime Minister in May of this year, Narendra Modi has demonstrated the significance New Delhi places on its relationship with Moscow, visiting Russia twice within six months.
Additionally, PM Modi made a historic visit to Ukraine—the first by any Indian prime minister—where he met President Zelensky, and both leaders concurred on the necessity of finding a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict in the region.
PM Modi has consistently emphasized the notion that “This is not an era for war” and that “solutions cannot be found on the battlefield but through diplomacy and dialogue.” These statements have garnered appreciation not only from Kyiv and Moscow, but also from various leaders across Europe and the United States.
