Putin will visit India, we share call for talks on Ukraine, says Russia

Lavrov praises Modi and his govt for 'balanced position' on the conflict

- Divya A

PRAISING THE INDIAN government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "consistently" taking a "balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis" and for advocating its "resolution through dialogue", Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that President Vladimir Putin will visit India this year and preparations for it are underway.

This will be Putin's first visit to India after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The announcement of the visit comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has taken the lead in mediating a ceasefire between the Kremlin and Kyiv.

Trump is also expected to visit India for the summit of Quad leaders later this year.

In a video address to a conference titled 'Russia and India: Together Towards a New Bilateral Agenda' in Moscow, Lavrov said, "It is symbolic that Prime Minister Modi made his first bilateral foreign visit after his re-election last year to Russia. Now it is our turn."

"Russian President Putin has accepted the invitation of the head of the Indian government. The visit of the head of the Russian state to the Republic of India is being prepared."

The visit is part of a protocol between India and Russia for reciprocal annual visits by their leaders.