India-Russia Relation: Russian President Vladimir Putin is going to visit India soon. India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval confirmed this visit in Moscow on Thursday. He said that he is very excited about Putin's visit to India. This visit is taking place at a time when trade tensions between India and the US are increasing, due to which this visit has become a topic of discussion globally.
New strength in India-Russia strategic partnershipDuring his visit to Moscow, NSA Ajit Doval said that India and Russia have been strategic partners for a long time. This visit of Putin will further deepen this partnership between the two countries. In particular, this visit is taking place at a time when the US has imposed a 50% tariff on India's purchase of Russian oil. In such a situation, India and Russia can together formulate a strategy to deal with global geopolitical and economic challenges.
Putin's Delhi visit: When and why?Ajit Doval said that President Putin will reach New Delhi by the end of this year, possibly in December 2025. This visit will be part of the 23rd India-Russia summit. During this time, defense, energy, trade, and geopolitical issues are likely to be discussed between the two countries. In particular, issues such as the Ukraine war and tariffs imposed by the US may be at the center of this dialogue.
Visit to India after four yearsPresident Putin had earlier visited India in December 2021, when he participated in the 21st India-Russia summit. During that time he signed several important agreements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he could not come to India after the Russia-Ukraine war started in 2022. In this way, his visit after four years holds special significance.
Key issues of discussion- The following issues can be given special attention during Putin's visit:
- Defense cooperation: India and Russia have had strong cooperation in the defense sector for a long time. New defense agreements can be discussed in this visit.
- Energy and trade: India's purchase of Russian oil and tariffs imposed by the US will be an important part of this visit.
- Geopolitical dynamics: Changing equations on the global stage and the effects of the Ukraine war are also likely to be discussed.
- Tension with the US: Amid the India-US trade war, an alliance with Russia can further strengthen India's strategy.
Putin's sixth visit during PM Modi's tenureThis will be the sixth occasion during the 11-year tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when Putin will visit India. Earlier, he has visited India in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2021. His visit between 2019 and 2024 was not possible due to the Kovid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war. This time the eyes of the global community, especially the US, will be on his visit.