Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday said that Russia and India are seeking to elevate their bilateral relations to an unprecedented level, with President Vladimir Putin expected to visit India in the near future.
Lavrov confirmed the development during a televised address, stating that preparations for the visit are currently underway.
Lavrov highlighted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first foreign visit after his re-election for a third consecutive term was to Russia. He emphasised that it is now Russia’s turn to reciprocate the gesture.
While the exact date and month of Putin’s visit have not been disclosed, Lavrov confirmed that necessary arrangements are in progress.
During Modi’s visit to Russia last year, the Indian Prime Minister extended an official invitation to the Russian President, which Putin accepted.
Lavrov’s comments were made at the conference titled “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda,” organised by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC). The event served as a platform to discuss avenues for strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
This upcoming visit would mark President Putin’s first trip to India since the conflict in Ukraine began in February 2022. It is expected to focus on furthering the Russian leader’s economic vision for 2030. Both countries have already outlined plans to double their bilateral trade to exceed $100 billion annually.
A key component of this initiative is the expansion of trade routes. The Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor is set to facilitate increased shipments of Russian goods to India.
Current trade volumes between the two countries are estimated at around $60 billion per year.
Earlier this week, Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s intention to redefine its partnership with New Delhi. Russia aims to strengthen its relationship with India and establish what Lavrov described as a “special and privileged strategic partnership.”
In a recent message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Putin reiterated the importance of Russia-India relations, underscoring their strategic partnership.
Putin expressed confidence in the continued development of cooperation across various sectors and highlighted the nations’ joint efforts to promote a multipolar international order. He noted that such collaboration serves the interests of both countries and supports a fairer global system.
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