Daijiworld Media Network - Moscow
Moscow, Mar 27: Highlighting the strong and evolving partnership between India and Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that preparations are underway for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in early 2025. Lavrov emphasized that both nations share "close or even coinciding views" on the evolving multipolar world order, which has facilitated the growth of political dialogue.
Addressing the first international conference ‘Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations’, Lavrov reiterated the historic strength of India-Russia ties. He stated, "Our relationship has withstood the test of time. Today, we are building an equal partnership based on mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests."
Lavrov also acknowledged the key role of leadership in shaping this partnership, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia last year as a pivotal moment. "Now it is our turn. President Putin has accepted PM Modi’s invitation, and preparations for his visit to India are underway," he said.
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov had earlier confirmed that Putin’s visit aligns with the annual summit tradition between the two leaders. "Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is Russia’s turn," Ushakov stated.
The last visit by President Putin to India was in December 2021, during the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi. In 2023, PM Modi made two visits to Russia, first for the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July, followed by the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October.
Lavrov underlined that trade and economic cooperation between India and Russia continues to expand, despite external pressures. "In 2024, our bilateral trade surpassed $60 billion— the highest in our modern history. But this is just the beginning. We are working towards the goal set by our leaders: reaching $100 billion in trade by 2030," he said.
He added that joint investment projects are being pursued with enthusiasm from business circles in both nations. "We are overcoming attempts by certain ill-wishers to disrupt our cooperation," he remarked, emphasizing that India and Russia continue to prioritize their independent economic ties.
Lavrov also commended India’s diplomatic approach, saying that Russia and India share a commitment to the democratization of global governance. "We highly value India’s independent and multi-vector foreign policy. India rightfully holds the status of a great power and is a key pillar of the multipolar world order," he stated.
He further praised India’s leadership in global forums, including the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO, emphasizing Russia's alignment with India’s foreign policy principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family).
Additionally, Lavrov expressed gratitude for India’s balanced stance on the Ukraine conflict, appreciating PM Modi’s consistent call for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
As India and Russia gear up for another high-level engagement, Putin’s visit in 2025 is expected to further solidify the deep-rooted strategic and economic ties between the two nations.