Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India, with preparations for the trip currently underway.
• This will mark Putin's first visit to India since December 2021 and his first since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
• The visit is expected to focus on strengthening the 'special and privileged strategic partnership' between the two nations, covering trade, defense, and energy cooperation.
• India and Russia aim to double bilateral trade to $100 billion annually, with initiatives like the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime trade corridor playing a key role.
• India continues to maintain a balanced diplomatic stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue while expanding its strategic ties with Russia.