The Kremlin announced on Friday that the Russian President Vladimir Putin would be paying a visit to India in early 2025. This was made known by the Russian Embassy in India through a release that cited the Kremlin aide, Yury Ushakov, confirming such an invitation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ushakov said that though it is Russia’s turn to host the annual India-Russia summit, the Kremlin will consider Modi’s invitation positively. “Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, it’s our turn. We received Mr. Modi’s invitation and will certainly consider it positively. Tentative dates will be figured out early next year,” he said.
Despite sustained Western efforts to isolate Russia over its war in Ukraine, Moscow has retained good relations with much of the Global South-a fact very much in evidence at the BRICS Summit earlier this year. If he does go to India, it will be a big moment, the first country outside China and Russian satellite states that he has visited since the conflict began.
India has traditionally been an ally of Russia, but it has warmed up to the United States and the West in the recent past. This dynamic has cast India in a complex position, balancing its ties with Russia amid Western criticism.
More recently, India has shown interest in mediating between Russia and Ukraine, with Modi’s visits to both countries and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s trip to Russia suggesting a proactive approach in addressing the ongoing conflict.
With Donald Trump expected to assume the U.S. presidency next month, the likelihood of reduced pushback against engagement with Russia is expected, given Trump’s perceived friendly rapport with Putin.
