Putin to Visit India in Early December for Annual Summit

Sources indicate that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to arrive in India in November to lay the groundwork for Putin's visit, which will mark his first trip to the country since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This visit is part of an annual bilateral summit series that has been taking place since 2000, with alternating meetings in India and Russia. The most recent summit was held in Moscow from July 8 to 9, 2024, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited.

During their meeting in Tianjin on September 1, Modi and Putin confirmed Putin's upcoming visit to India in December. Modi emphasized the importance of their ongoing dialogue and expressed India's anticipation for the 23rd bilateral summit. Modi and Putin have maintained regular high-level interactions, and their most recent phone conversation took place on September 17, following Putin's birthday wishes to Modi.

Putin's visit holds particular significance due to U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a 25% additional tariff on India for its purchase of Russian oil. Russia has criticized this tariff, advocating for India's right to choose its trade partners. India has noted that China and Europe also purchase Russian oil at lower prices, but has felt singled out by the U.S.