Putin confirms India visit in December, lauds ‘trusted partner’ PM Modi

Putin also spoke about the long-standing friendship between India and Russia, saying the relationship goes back to the Soviet era and has always been warm and respectful.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he will visit India in early December this year. Speaking to reporters, he said he was eager to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he described as his “dear friend” and “trusted partner.” “I am really looking forward to my visit in December and my meeting with Prime Minister Modi,” Putin said.

The visit is expected to be part of the annual India-Russia summit, where both leaders will discuss ways to strengthen strategic and economic ties. The trip comes at a time when the US, under President Donald Trump, has imposed a 50 per cent import duty on India.

He also highlighted the “special” and “privileged strategic partnership” between the two countries. He  spoke about the long-standing friendship between India and Russia, saying the relationship goes back to the Soviet era and has always been warm and respectful.

Putin called PM Modi a “very wise leader who thinks first about his country,” and also talked about the long-standing strength of ties between Moscow and New Delhi, while speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi.

“People in India do not forget about this and our relations, I believe. Some 15 years ago, we made an announcement about privileged strategic partnership, and that is the best description. Prime Minister Modi is a very wise leader who thinks first about his country,” Putin said. He added that strengthening economic cooperation with India remains a priority for Russia across multiple sectors.

He criticised US pressure on India over its oil trade with Russia and praised New Delhi for not giving in. Putin expressed confidence that India will continue to depend on Russia for its energy needs.

Kremlin: Preparations for Putin’s India visit in full swing

Putin’s comments came after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that work on the India visit was already well advanced. “Yes, the dates for the President’s visit to India have been finalised. It will take place before the New Year. Preparations are in full swing,” Peskov said.

This will be Putin’s first trip to India since 2021, when he came to New Delhi for the 21st annual India-Russia summit.

India and Russia follow a tradition where the prime minister of India and the president of Russia meet every year, taking turns to host the summit. So far, 22 such summits have been held.

The most recent round of talks took place in July last year, when Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow.