Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year, the Kremlin announced on Monday. The development follows a telephone conversation between the two leaders, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
The Kremlin emphasized that the enduring relationship between New Delhi and Moscow continues to grow independently of external influences. Both leaders reiterated their mutual commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across strategic, economic, and security domains.
Prime Minister Modi extended greetings to President Putin on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, commemorating the end of World War II. During the same call, Putin strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in which 26 innocent lives were lost. Expressing “full support” to India in its fight against terrorism, Putin stressed the importance of bringing the perpetrators and their backers to justice.
The Kremlin’s concern over escalating tensions in the region was echoed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who urged both India and Pakistan to pursue measures aimed at reducing hostilities. “We hope that the parties will be able to take measures that will reduce tensions,” he stated, highlighting Moscow’s keen observation of the situation along the India-Pakistan border.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, underscoring the need for political and diplomatic solutions to regional disputes. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s position that such issues must be resolved bilaterally.
Putin’s upcoming visit is expected to reaffirm Russia’s strategic alignment with India, especially amid shifting global alliances and ongoing regional security concerns.
