Vladimir Putin to Visit India Soon: Russian Government Confirms

Vladimir Putin to Visit India Soon: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov disclosed on Tuesday that Vladimir Putin, the president of the Russian Federation, will come to India shortly.

Though specific dates remain to be determined, this announcement represents a positive development in deepening the already existing relations between the two countries.

"I hope soon we'll work out the precise dates of his visit... Of course, after two visits of Prime Minister Modi to Russia, now we have a visit of President to India, so we're looking forward to it," said Peskov. 

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He then talked about the role of Russia in India China relations. He said, "We are glad that the two leaders, the leader of India and the leader of China, had the opportunity to hold their bilateral meeting in Kazan, Russia. And this was really good news for everybody in the world. But again, this was a bilateral initiative of India and China, with no interference from abroad, from us. So we were only the organisers of that summit... Of course, being friends of New Delhi and Beijing, we are ready to contribute in every possible way to normalising relations between our two friends."

#WATCH | Delhi: On the visit of President Putin to India, Press secretary for Russian President, Dmitry Peskov says, "I hope soon we'll work out the precise dates of his visit... Of course, after two visits of Prime Minister Modi to Russia, now we have a visit of President to… pic.twitter.com/zhl5GSFtgm

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024

Peskov also addressed India's participation in Quad and said, "We have no doubt that India respects Russia and India values cooperation with Russia. But at the same time, we also understand very well that India is a sovereign country. India is searching for benefits in every possible direction and we understand that."

He also claimed that US has been pressuring India. "Every country is sovereign, every country is doing what is more profitable for it and every country cooperates with those whom they consider necessary for themselves, not by fulfilling the order of a third country, I will openly name it, by fulfilling the order of the United States. Yes, we are increasing our cooperation in various fields, and we are well aware, and we understand this, that India is facing unprecedented pressure coming from the United States. The United States is trying to dictate to Indian banks what they have to do and what they should not do. Is this not an attempt to introduce a new colonial system or not? We think it is. But I have no doubt that together we will get rid of those unpardonable pressures," Peskov added.

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Political and defence discourse between Moscow and New Delhi strengthened further in connection with the ongoing war in Ukraine, with both sides meeting on multiple occasions this year. Just last week, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov discussed with PM Modi expanding India-Russia cooperation in trade and economic areas and in other sectors, including energy and connectivity.

In the meantime, last month PM Modi had one-on-one meetings with President Putin in Kazan on the sidelines of the Brics summit. The volatile situation in Ukraine was on the agenda of the two leaders as PM Modi mentioned that “he would like the situation in Ukraine to be resolved as quickly as possible, and peacefully.” To continue the discussion on Russia and India's mutual relations, Putin warmly remembered Russia's Friends-India Privileged Strategic Partnership and claimed that the relationship would be enhanced.

The Prime Minister even made yet another trip to Russia that took place in July. That was his first visit to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as well as his first bilateral visit after Putin was re-elected for another term.

The PM told them, however, that he was grateful for the chance to discuss the Ukraine crisis with President Putin.

During the talks, the PM had appreciated discussions with Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict. "I am happy that we were able to openly lay our thoughts on the Ukraine issue, were able to discuss it and tried to understand each other's opinion with due respect," PM Modi said."India is ready to provide all necessary support in achieving peace. I am happy to hear your positive thoughts...I would like to assure you as well the world that India is on the side of peace. A hope has emerged in me after listening to President Putin. I thank you a lot for this," he added. 

In the meantime, Putin had said they had an informal meeting where such matters were discussed and he thanked the Prime Minister for the effort to ‘deescalate’ the situation.

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