Almost conclusive are the plans for Putin's visit to India, according to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India later this year, with the dates being "almost finalised" according to India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval during his recent visit to Moscow [1][2][3][5]. However, official sources in India have clarified that no specific date has been confirmed yet [1][4].
The visit, which will mark Putin's first to India since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, is highly significant for the bilateral relationship. It is expected to reinforce the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia, focusing on defence cooperation, energy partnerships, trade relations, and regional security, especially in the context of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit [1][2][3][5].
The visit comes amidst tensions between India and the United States due to India's continued purchase of Russian oil despite Western sanctions on Russia. The United States has responded with increased tariffs on Indian goods to pressure India on this matter [3][4]. While India has justified its energy procurement based on national interest and market dynamics, the visit may be viewed by the US as India signaling deeper ties with Russia. This could further complicate India-US relations, especially in geopolitical and trade contexts, given the US's concerns over Russia's actions in Ukraine and global alignments [3][4].
Meanwhile, the Net Profit of Navratna NALCO for Q1 FY26 has surged 77% to Rs 1,064 Cr, amidst continuing oil purchases and defence cooperation between India and Russia [6]. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is also due to visit Moscow.
However, the timing of Putin's visit to India is a clear message to Washington that India will not abandon its longstanding friendship with Russia. The crisis in India-US ties is the most serious since 1998, when the US imposed economic sanctions following the Pokhran nuclear tests [7].
Reports suggesting that Putin's visit will take place later this month are not correct. The latest anti-terror operation in Akhal Forest in J&K has entered its 7th day [8]. The Quad summit, scheduled to be held later this year in India, may be affected by the current crisis in India-US ties.
[1] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ajit-doval-in-moscow-to-discuss-putin-visit-to-india-3138368 [2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-russia-working-on-putin-visit-to-india-says-ajit-doval/article66397868.ece [3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/24/india-us-ties-deep-crisis-as-new-delhi-buys-russian-oil [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-us-ties-strained-over-indias-purchase-russian-oil-2022-10-24/ [5] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/putin-to-visit-india-by-end-of-year-national-security-adviser-ajit-doval-says-101666824781517.html [6] https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/nalco-net-profit-surges-77-to-rs-1064-cr-in-q1-fy26-12202211140026_1.html [7] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/10/india-us-tensions-deepen-over-indias-purchase-of-russian-oil [8] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/akhal-forest-encounter-enters-7th-day-2-more-terrorists-killed-so-far-3140932
- The upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India, amidst ongoing war-and-conflicts and geopolitical tensions, is expected to address policy-and-legislation concerning defense cooperation, energy partnerships, trade relations, and regional security, particularly in the context of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
- The scheduled visit of Putin later this year may have significant political implications, as it could be perceived as a signal of deeper ties between India and Russia, potentially further complicating India-US relations, especially in geopolitical and trade contexts.
