He was invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with an agreement on finalizing dates at the beginning of 2025, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. In a recent briefing, Ushakov said that Putin and Modi have agreed upon the regularity of their meeting as annual ones. “This time, it’s our turn,” he said, with an invitation coming from India. “We will consider it certainly in a positive way.”
Ushakov also said that preliminary dates for the visit would be worked out at the beginning of next year. The trip will be the first visit by Putin to India since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in 2022. India has repeatedly called for “peace and diplomacy” to end the continuing conflict.
The two leaders keep in regular touch and speak on the phone every few months, according to the Russian Embassy in India. They also physically meet, the last occasions being this year. This July, PM Modi paid a visit to Moscow to attend the 22nd Russia-India summit-the first bilateral visit after resuming office for a third term.
During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with Russia’s highest national order, “The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle,” for his efforts towards firming up ties between India and Russia. Several warm gestures and collaborative engagements are always spoken about the two leaders, including visiting the Rosatom Pavilion at the VDNKh Exhibition Centre in Moscow.
In October, PM Modi visited Kazan, Russia, to attend the BRICS Summit, where he thanked President Putin and the people of Russia for their hospitality. He also shared his visit on social media, emphasizing the importance of the bilateral relationship.
