In a significant development aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India soon, announced Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today. Speaking in a televised address, Lavrov confirmed preparations for President Putin's visit, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Moscow and New Delhi.
The visit comes on the heels of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to Russia, his first foreign visit after securing a third consecutive term in office. During this visit, Prime Minister Modi extended a formal invitation to President Putin, which has now been accepted, paving the way for a reciprocal state visit by the Russian head of state.
Addressing a conference titled "Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda," organized by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), Lavrov emphasized the strategic importance of the forthcoming visit. He highlighted the intent to bolster the economic ties between the two nations, aiming to double bilateral trade to surpass $100 billion annually. Currently, trade stands at approximately $60 billion per year, with plans to leverage initiatives like the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor to enhance connectivity and facilitate increased trade exchanges.
President Putin's impending visit holds particular significance as it marks his first official trip to India since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Despite global geopolitical shifts, both Russia and India remain committed to deepening their longstanding partnership across various sectors, including defense, energy, and technology.
In a recent communication to President Droupadi Murmu, President Putin reaffirmed the special and privileged nature of the Russia-India relationship, stressing their joint efforts in advancing bilateral cooperation and collaborating on global issues. This sentiment underscores Moscow's commitment to fortifying a robust strategic partnership with New Delhi, aimed at promoting a multipolar international order and mutual prosperity.
As preparations for President Putin's visit continue, expectations are high for significant agreements and strategic announcements that will further elevate Russia-India relations to unprecedented heights, solidifying their status as key partners in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
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