VOIWORLD/Diplomacy desk
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4 and 5 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. The visit comes at a time when the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to dominate global geopolitical discussions.
According to the MEA, the state visit will offer an opportunity for the leadership of both countries to “review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.”
During his stay, President Putin will hold summit-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a state banquet in his honour. This will be Putin’s first visit to India since December 2021, when he attended the 21st annual summit.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 triggered sweeping Western sanctions, prompting a shift in India–Russia economic engagement, particularly in the energy sector. India’s increased imports of Russian oil have drawn scrutiny from Washington, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed punitive sanctions on New Delhi earlier this August.
India has repeatedly urged an end to the conflict, with Prime Minister Modi reiterating that “this is not the time for war.” Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues.
Putin’s visit also comes soon after President Trump unveiled a new 28-point peace proposal for the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which reportedly includes asking Kyiv to cede territory to Moscow and accept limits on the size of its armed forces. The timing adds further significance to the Kremlin leader’s trip to New Delhi.
