India’s Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia, says Kremlin
Russia has had strong ties with India since the Cold War, and New Delhi’s importance as a key trade partner has grown since the invasion of Ukraine.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Russia, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign affairs aide, Yuri Ushakov, said Mr Modi’s visit is being prepared but did not announce a date, saying it will be done jointly later.
Russia has had strong ties with India since the Cold War, and New Delhi’s importance as a key trade partner for Moscow has grown since the Kremlin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022.
China and India have become key buyers of Russian oil following sanctions imposed by the US and its allies which shut most Western markets for Russian exports.
Under Mr Modi’s leadership, India has avoided condemning Russia’s action in Ukraine while emphasising the need for a peaceful settlement.
The Indian premier’s visit follows his re-election for a third straight term.
He last visited Russia in 2019 for an economic forum in the far eastern port of Vladivostok. He last travelled to Moscow in 2015.
