Is the Kremlin Preparing for a Meaningful Visit by President Putin to India?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kremlin is preparing for President Putin's visit to India.
- The visit is expected to strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
- Discussions may include a potential labour mobility agreement.
- Recent meetings indicate a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation.
- PM Modi looks forward to welcoming Putin in December.
Moscow, Nov 10 (NationPress) The Kremlin announced on Monday that it is actively preparing for President Vladimir Putin's visit to India before the year's end, expressing hope for a meaningful visit, according to reports from local media.
During a press interaction, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, "We are currently actively preparing for Putin's visit to India, which is scheduled before the year concludes. We anticipate that it will be a meaningful visit," reported the Russian state-run news agency TASS.
When queried about speculation regarding India and Russia's plans to sign a labour mobility agreement during the visit, he replied, "As for its significance and the documentary content, let’s refrain from jumping ahead. We will disclose all agreements that are intended to be finalized at the appropriate time."
Recently, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko to explore avenues for enhancing their multifaceted bilateral cooperation.
Following their discussion on November 7, EAM Jaishankar shared on X, "It was a pleasure meeting Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko of Russia today. We discussed advancing our multifaceted bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on significant regional, global, and multilateral matters."
In October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with President Vladimir Putin to evaluate the progress of their bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their dedication to further strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.
During this conversation, PM Modi congratulated Putin on his 73rd birthday, wishing him good health and success in all endeavors. PM Modi expressed his eagerness to host President Putin in India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
In September, both leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. They reaffirmed their mutual support to enhance their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and discussed regional and global issues, including the latest developments regarding Ukraine.
During their meeting, PM Modi remarked that 1.40 crore Indians are "eagerly awaiting" the arrival of the Russian President for the upcoming 23rd India-Russia Summit in December. "This exemplifies our profound, 'special, and privileged strategic partnership,'" PM Modi stated.