Against the backdrop of continued war between Ukraine and Russia, President of Russia Vladimir Putin will visit India during December 4 and 5. During the visit, President Putin will lead the Russian delegation in the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, the Ministry of External Affairs has announced.
“The forthcoming State visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” said the MEA announcing the visit.
Apart from his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the during the annual summit, President Putin will also meet President Droupadi Murmu who will host a state banquet in the honour of the Russian dignitary. This is the first visit by President Putin since his December 6, 2021 India visit for the 21st India-Russia annual summit.
Russia launched the ‘Special Military Operation’ against Ukraine on February 24, 2022 which attracted tough western sanctions on Russia prompting a reorienting of India-Russia trade ties where energy became a major component for the first time. Russian energy import to India has been a major issue in India-U.S. relation since President Donald Trump imposed punitive sanctions on India earlier in August. India has been calling for an end to the Ukrainian conflict with Prime Minister Modi describing the Indian policy as “this is not the time for war”. However, attacks continued from both sides in the Ukrainian battlefield.
The incoming visit is also significant as it will take place days after President Trump issued a new 28-point Ukraine-Russia peace formula that will call upon Kyiv to cede territories to Russia and limit the size of the Ukrainian military.