Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit India, with arrangements actively underway, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed on Thursday, as per Russian news agency TASS.
Speaking via video at the Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda conference—jointly hosted by the Indian Embassy in Russia and the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC)—Lavrov emphasized the significance of the visit and India’s ongoing preparations.
“President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation from the Indian head of government. The visit of the Russian head of state to the Republic of India is currently being arranged,” Lavrov stated, as reported by TASS.
The invitation was extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chose Russia as his first foreign visit following his re-election in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
This visit follows Modi’s July 2023 trip to Russia, where he attended the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit at Putin’s invitation. Additionally, earlier this year, TASS had reported that Modi was expected to attend Moscow’s Victory Day Parade on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War.
Citing military sources, TASS indicated a strong possibility of Modi’s participation in the event. Discussions are also ongoing about India potentially sending a ceremonial unit of its armed forces to participate in the Red Square parade. “The matter of an Indian contingent joining the parade, which would require arrival at least a month in advance for rehearsals, is being actively considered,” the source stated.
Lavrov further noted that multiple invited nations had confirmed their presence at the Moscow event, underscoring its global significance.
