Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov has proclaimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to India in the near future. As a matter of fact, he has been involved in preparations.
Surprisingly, this would be the first time since December 2021, when he attended the annual India and Russia summit.
Strengthening of Relations
The upcoming trip also underscores the historical relations between India and Russia. Lavrov affirmed that the President had agreed to the invitation from Indian Prime Minister Modi. Subsequently, he was working with Prime Minister Modi on the ground logistics involved.
Lavrov also stated that Prime Minister Modi’s first trip abroad after becoming Prime Minister, was to visit Russia. Supposedly, it was to give more clarity to reciprocal diplomatic trips abroad.
Backdrop Events
Prime Minister Modi’s last trip to Russia was in July 2024. This was also his first trip back to visit in nearly five years. Additionally, during this trip, he had invited President Putin to India in advance of an upcoming trip to follow up and strengthen bilateral ties.
Consequently, their last trip had been during the annual meeting in December 2021, or what is now an annual event/trip. Before, both were cancelled following the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022.
Discussion Agenda
While the specific timetable remains undisclosed, the agenda is likely to address a wide array of topics. Certainly, not limited to regional and global security, trade, and other pressing matters. Given the “very trusting nature” of the reportedly strong relationship between Putin and Modi.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, on Aug 31, revealed that “there is nothing off the agenda,” suggesting an agenda of sufficient breadth.
Global Perspective
The trip presents notable geopolitical significance, especially within the context of the war in Ukraine and the reconfiguration of global relationships. Subsequently, India’s engagement with Russia in this dynamic also suggests strategic independence.
Additionally, a balanced approach to foreign policy. It may also impact conversations with respect to defence cooperation, energy relationships, and multilateral cooperation.
As preparations continue, the world continues to pay close attention to the high-level engagement.
The meeting may indicate continuity of the long-standing partnership between India and Russia, while addressing both bilateral interest and global variables.
Economic cooperation
Subsequently, this will be one of the main subjects of discussion. As a matter of fact, India is still a steady buyer of Russian oil, despite Western sanctions. Additionally, with energy security being an ongoing priority.
Consequently, both countries may also consider establishing new trading mechanisms as a way to bypass financial sanctions. Therefore, achieve a higher level of bilateral trade than they trade today.
There is also a strong possibility of continuing expansion of defense agreements. Since, India requested more advanced military technology and joint production deals.
Cooperation On Space Initiatives
Evidently, this will also be likely, as Russia can support India on its lunar and deep space initiatives.
Other possibilities include cultural and educational exchanges, further creating people-to-people ties between the two.
