India And Russia Hold Pre-Summit Talks Ahead Of Putin’s December Visit

India and Russia are actively preparing for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in December to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Deputy National Security Advisor Pawan Kapoor confirmed that consultations are ongoing both bilaterally and on the sidelines of international events.

The visit is expected to take place during the first week of December, with both nations aiming to further strengthen their special and privileged strategic partnership, according to official statements.

Kapoor emphasised that India-Russia relations remain robust, citing recent high-level interactions.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Moscow in August, meeting President Putin and Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in New York during the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral discussion with President Putin at the SCO Summit last month, underscoring the close cooperation of the two countries in promoting global peace, prosperity, and stability.

PM Modi Welcomes Putin’s Visit

PM Modi highlighted the enthusiasm in India for the upcoming summit, noting that 1.40 crore Indians are ‘eagerly waiting’ for President Putin’s arrival.

He remarked that the enduring partnership between India and Russia has persisted even during the most challenging times, strengthening regional and global stability.

Addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi stated that India welcomes recent efforts to resolve the crisis and called for constructive engagement by all parties to restore peace in the region.

During the SCO Summit, President Putin acknowledged India’s contributions and those of other strategic partners in seeking a resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

“We highly value the efforts and proposals of China, India and our other strategic partners, aimed at facilitating the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis,” he said.

Both capitals are intensifying preparations for the December summit, which will reaffirm India-Russia cooperation in defence, trade, and diplomacy, while providing a platform to address global security and regional stability.

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