What Key Consultations Are Taking Place in Moscow Before Putin's December Visit to India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Putin's visit to India is set for December 2023.
- Focus on strengthening India-Russia relations.
- High-level meetings highlight ongoing diplomatic engagement.
- India advocates for resolution of Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Strategic partnership remains strong amid global challenges.
Moscow/New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) New Delhi and Moscow are diligently preparing for Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, as reported by the Russian media citing Deputy National Security Advisor Pawan Kapoor.
"We are currently organizing President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in December. We hold regular bilateral meetings as well as discussions on the sidelines of international gatherings," Kapoor was quoted by Russia's state-owned news agency Tass after the recent Russian-Indian talks regarding regional matters in Moscow on Tuesday.
This highly anticipated visit is expected to occur in the first week of December.
India's Deputy NSA emphasized that the relationship between the two nations remains robust and consistent, with high-level interactions ongoing.
He pointed out National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's visit to Moscow in August, where he met with the Russian head of state and Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu.
Additionally, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in New York during the UN General Assembly.
Prime Minister Modi also engaged in a bilateral discussion with the Russian President at the SCO Summit last month, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between both nations for global peace, prosperity, and stability.
During their meeting, PM Modi remarked that 1.40 crore Indians are "eagerly waiting" for the Russian President's visit for the 23rd India-Russia Summit in December.
"This exemplifies our deep, 'special and privileged strategic partnership'," PM Modi remarked.
Stressing the strong ties between the two countries, he stated, "Even in the most challenging times, India and Russia have consistently supported each other. Our close cooperation is essential not only for our citizens but also for global peace, prosperity, and stability."
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi expressed that India welcomes all recent efforts aimed at resolving the situation.
"We hope that all parties involved will take constructive steps forward. It is vital for us to find ways to end the conflict swiftly to restore regional stability and peace. This is a call for all of humanity," PM Modi added.
Earlier, both leaders had shared the same vehicle en route to the venue for their bilateral meeting.
In his opening remarks at the SCO Summit, Putin expressed high regard for the contributions of India and other strategic partners in facilitating a resolution to the Ukraine crisis.
"We greatly appreciate the efforts and proposals from China, India, and our other strategic partners aimed at resolving the Ukrainian crisis," Putin stated during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.