Vladimir Putin's India visit: Arrangements underway, says Russian FM Lavrov

NEW DELHI: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday confirmed that preparations are being made for President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, TASS reported. In a video address to the conference titled "Russiaand India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda", hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), Lavrov stated, "Arrangements are currently being made for Putin to visit India."Lavrov on Wednesday said that Russia is actively strengthening ties with major global powers, including India, with whom Moscow shares a “privileged strategic partnership.” Addressing an event on Monday, he highlighted the growing influence of China, India, and other BRICS and SCO nations in shaping a multipolar world order. "We enjoy a particularly privileged strategic partnership with India," Lavrov was quoted as saying by Russian state media. He also underlined Russia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with allies across various multilateral platforms, including the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and the Eurasian Economic Union. Meanwhile, on the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, President Putin extended greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending India's progress over the past 75 years. He reiterated that Russian-Indian relations are built on a special and enduring strategic partnership. "Without a doubt, this meets the fundamental interests of our friendly peoples and aligns with efforts to form a fair multipolar international order," Putin said in his message. Putin and PM Modi have maintained regular contact, with the Russian leader receiving an invitation from the Indian Prime Minister to visit India. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov had earlier confirmed that the visit’s dates would be finalised in early 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia twice in 2024—first in July, under the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership agreements, and again in October for the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.