Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has announced that President Vladimir Putin is planning to visit New Delhi in December. The announcement was made at the recent 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Lavrov highlighted the extensive bilateral agenda between India and Russia, encompassing trade, military cooperation, technological exchange, finance, humanitarian efforts, healthcare, and advancements in high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence.
Kremlin confirmed on August 29, 2025, that President Vladimir Putin will visit India in December. Furthermore, Putin is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a regional summit in China on Monday, September 1, 2025. During this meeting, discussions will focus on preparations for the December visit.
Lavrov also affirmed India's independent trade decisions with Russia, despite pressure and sanctions from the United States. He emphasized the "particularly privileged strategic partnership" between the two nations. Moreover, Lavrov reiterated Russia's strong support for India's permanent seat on the UN Security Council, advocating for greater global representation.
The backdrop to this visit includes the growing ties between India and Russia, particularly in the face of U.S. tariffs on Indian goods as a response to New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil. These tariffs, which took effect on Wednesday, were imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of a campaign to pressure Moscow to end its offensive in Ukraine. Energy revenues are a crucial source of income for Moscow's state budget.
Since the military assault on Ukraine in February 2022, Western allies have aimed to cut Russia's export earnings. However, Russia has managed to redirect its energy sales from Europe to countries like India and China, ensuring a continued flow of funds. India has defended its oil imports from Russia, stating that "traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict".
Amidst these geopolitical dynamics, President Putin has curtailed his foreign travel, especially after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him in March 2023 over the alleged unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. India, however, is not a party to the ICC and is therefore not obligated to arrest the Russian leader.
