Putin to Visit India for 23rd Annual Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4 and 5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials from the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Friday. The two-day state visit to New Delhi will mark the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, where the leaders are expected to review progress in bilateral relations and outline future cooperation.

During the trip, Putin will hold talks with Modi to assess the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The discussions will cover regional and global issues of mutual interest, including defense, trade and energy cooperation. President Droupadi Murmu will receive Putin and host a banquet in his honor, underscoring the ceremonial aspects of the visit.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the summit provides an opportunity for both sides to strengthen longstanding ties. "The forthcoming State Visit will allow the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," the ministry said in an official communiqué.