• Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in 2025, highlighting the deep ties between the two nations.
• The visit comes amid global tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties.
• India's non-alignment with the International Criminal Court allows Putin to visit without concerns over an ICC arrest warrant.
• The visit is expected to focus on defense, energy, and trade, reaffirming the longstanding camaraderie between New Delhi and Moscow.

In a significant development that underscores the deep ties between New Delhi and Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in early 2025. The visit comes at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as confirmed by Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. The announcement comes as part of the ongoing commitment to annual meetings between the two leaders, a tradition that has been maintained despite the shifting sands of global geopolitics.

Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn, Ushakov said during a press briefing. He added that Russia has received the invitation from PM Modi and would respond positively. Tentative dates for the visit are expected to be figured out early next year.

The last visit by the Russian President to India took place on December 6, 2021, during the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi. Meanwhile, PM Modi held two high-profile visits to Russia in 2024. He attended the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July and later participated in the BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October.

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties Amid Global Tensions

During the BRICS meeting, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to promoting peace in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. We are in regular contact regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As I have mentioned before, we believe that disputes should be resolved peacefully. India fully supports the earliest establishment of peace and stability, the Prime Minister had remarked during his bilateral meeting with Putin in Kazan.

PM Modi also conveyed India's readiness to assist in resolving the conflict, emphasising a humanitarian approach. In all our efforts, humanity remains our priority, and we are prepared to provide assistance wherever possible, he said.

Putin's anticipated visit comes at a time when the global spotlight remains fixed on the Russia-Ukraine war and the wider ramifications for international diplomacy. The visit is expected to fortify the ties between New Delhi and Moscow as both nations navigate pressures from Western powers.

India-Russia: A Relationship Beyond Geopolitical Pressures

While Russia has faced isolation from several countries due to the conflict, India has continued to maintain a balanced approach, emphasising dialogue and peace. India's non-alignment with the International Criminal Court (ICC) also allows Putin to travel to New Delhi without concerns over the ICC arrest warrant issued for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Putin has significantly limited his international travels in recent years due to the ICC's warrant, which obliges member nations to detain individuals facing such charges. However, India's status as a non-signatory to the Rome Statute means it is not obligated to enforce the warrant, providing a safe platform for bilateral discussions between the two nations.

As Putin's visit approaches, discussions are likely to centre on bolstering partnerships in Defence, energy, and trade -- pillars of the India-Russia relationship. With a focus on countering global economic and political pressures, the visit is expected to reaffirm the longstanding camaraderie between New Delhi and Moscow.

The upcoming visit by Putin is reminiscent of past high-level exchanges between the two nations, which have often served as turning points in their bilateral relationship. For instance, the visit by then-Russian President Boris Yeltsin to India in 1993 marked a new phase in India-Russia ties in the post-Cold War era. Similarly, PM Modi's visit to Russia in 2015, during which the two nations elevated their strategic partnership to a special and privileged strategic partnership, was a significant milestone.

In conclusion, Putin's anticipated visit to India in 2025 is not just another diplomatic engagement, but a reaffirmation of the enduring bond between India and Russia. It is a testament to the resilience of their relationship, which has weathered the storms of global politics and continues to thrive in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. The visit is expected to fortify the ties between New Delhi and Moscow, highlighting the strength of their partnership in the face of global challenges.

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