'Now It's Our Turn': Putin to Visit India Soon, Russia Confirms Arrangements Underway

New Delhi: Russia is currently making arrangements for President Vladimir Putin ’s planned visit to India, Russian news agency TASS reported on Thursday, citing Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Addressing the "Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda" conference, hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), Lavrov stated that preparations for the visit are underway, with ongoing discussions to finalize the details.

“Arrangements are currently being made for Putin to visit India,” Lavrov said. He highlighted Russia’s efforts to reinforce relations with major global powers, especially India, with which it maintains a "privileged strategic partnership."  

Lavrov spoke about the changing global scenario and the increasing influence of countries like China, India, and other BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members in shaping a multipolar world order. Emphasizing Moscow’s foreign policy priorities, he reiterated Russia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with its allies through various multilateral organisations, including the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and the Eurasian Economic Union.

‘Now It’s Our Turn' 

Furthermore, Lavrov pointed out that after his re-election last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Russia for his first foreign visit. "Now, it’s our turn," he stated.   

Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have maintained regular diplomatic engagement, with the Indian leader extending an invitation to the Russian President for an official visit. Earlier, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov had stated that the visit’s dates would be determined in early 2025.

Modi traveled to Russia twice in 2024, first in July under the framework of the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership and later in October to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. Both visits underscored the growing strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Times When Putin Visited India 

Vladimir Putin has visited India multiple times as part of Russia-India diplomatic engagements. Here are the key visits:

• October 2000 – First official visit to India after becoming President, signing the India-Russia Strategic Partnership agreement.
• December 2004 – Strengthened defense and trade ties; discussions on military cooperation.
• January 2007 – Attended the India-Russia Summit, focusing on nuclear energy and economic collaboration.
• December 2010 – Signed major defense deals, including contracts for fighter jets and arms.
• December 2012 – Discussed trade, defense, and space cooperation.
• October 2013 – Visited India for the 14th annual India-Russia summit.
• December 2014 – Signed major energy and defense agreements, including nuclear power projects.
• October 2018 – Strengthened strategic ties; India signed the S-400 missile deal with Russia.
• December 2021 – 21st India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi, focusing on defense, trade, and regional security.

The anticipated visit by President Putin is expected to further boost bilateral ties and enhance collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade, defense, and energy.