Preparations Underway For Vladimir Putin’s India Visit: Russian FM Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Thursday that preparations are in progress for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India. According to Russian news agency Tass, Lavrov confirmed that Putin has accepted an invitation from the Indian head of government.

"A visit by the Russian head of state to the Republic of India is currently being prepared," Lavrov stated. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had chosen Russia for his first foreign visit after his re-election last year, adding, "Now it's our turn."

Lavrov made these remarks during a video address at a conference organized by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) titled "Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda." While the exact dates for Putin's visit remain unannounced, discussions regarding the trip are ongoing.

Earlier in February, Tass had reported a "high probability" of an Indian delegation attending the annual military parade at Moscow's Red Square, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. However, sources familiar with the matter stated that while the Russian side had extended an invitation to PM Modi, a visit was not under consideration.

PM Modi last visited Russia in July 2024, marking his first trip to the country in nearly five years. During this visit, he extended an invitation to President Putin to visit India.

Putin's upcoming visit will be his first to India since December 2021, when he attended an annual summit. It will also mark his first trip to the country since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.