New Delhi, March 27, 2025: Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India, and preparations for the visit are underway, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed on Thursday.
In a video address at the “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda” conference hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), Lavrov said, “Arrangements are currently being made for Putin to visit India.” The state-run TASS news agency also quoted him as saying that the visit is in the works, though no dates have been announced.
Lavrov pointed out that Prime Minister Modi’s first foreign visit after his re-election in 2024 was to Russia, and now it is Moscow’s turn to reciprocate. Modi last visited Russia in July 2024, marking his first trip to the country in nearly five years since attending an economic conclave in Vladivostok in 2019. During his last visit, he extended an invitation to Putin.
Lavrov also emphasized the deepening Russia-India relationship, describing it as a “privileged strategic partnership.” Speaking on March 24, he highlighted Russia’s growing engagement with India, alongside China, Iran, North Korea, and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) nations.
Putin and Modi maintain close contact, frequently speaking on the phone and meeting in person during international summits. In January, Putin congratulated India on its 76th Republic Day, reiterating the strong foundation of Russian-Indian ties.
Putin’s upcoming visit is expected to further strengthen economic, defense, and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
