Putin Accepts Modi’s Invitation to Visit India, Says Russian Foreign Minister
March 27 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India, and preparations are underway, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday. Speaking via video at a conference titled “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda,” hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), Lavrov confirmed that arrangements are being made for Putin’s visit.
“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,” Lavrov was quoted as saying by the state-run TASS news agency. The exact dates of the visit have not yet been disclosed.
Lavrov highlighted that Modi’s first foreign visit following his re-election last year was to Russia. “Now it’s our turn,” he added. Modi traveled to Russia in July 2024, his first visit to the country in nearly five years. His previous trip was in 2019, when he attended an economic conclave in Vladivostok. During the July visit, Modi formally invited Putin to India.
Russia and India share longstanding ties, with Moscow describing its relationship with New Delhi as a “privileged strategic partnership.” Lavrov reiterated Russia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with India, along with China, Iran, North Korea, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
“The relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with the People’s Republic of China boast an unprecedented level of mutual trust. Particularly privileged strategic partnership is developing with India,” Lavrov said on March 24. Putin and Modi maintain regular contact, speaking on the phone every few months and meeting in person at international summits.
