"Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian head of government," Lavrov said

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said preparations were underway for President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, even though he didn't give any specific dates. 

"President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian head of government," Lavrov said. 

It is significant that Russia confirmed Putin's visit o India soon following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Moscow last year. 

This will be the first visit by Putin, who has 'cultivated close ties' with PM Modi, since the war with Ukraine broke out in 2022

Noting that PM Modi chose Russia for his first foreign visit after being re-elected for a third term, Lavrov said, "Now it's our turn."  

Among other issues, the two leaders are expected to discuss the Ukraine war as well as the geopolitical upheaval following Donald Trump taking over as US President.

India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, even though PM Modi has repeatedly told Putin that it was not the era of war. 

India has also abstained from resolutions passed by the United Nations condemning Russia and has refrained from publicly criticising Putin.

Even recently in a podcast PM Modi said - India is not neutral "we are with the Peace". The same spirit has been echoed by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also.

 

In fact, PM Modi was one of the few leaders in 2024 to visit both Moscow and Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

Modi also travelled to Russia's Kazan in October for the BRICS Summit.

"In the current polarised era, India is among a few nations that can engage Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Iran, the Quad and BRICS .... Sabka saath, Sabka vikas applies equally to foreign policy as well," said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently. 

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