KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant development for India-Russia relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India later this year. The Kremlin confirmed that both leaders engaged in a telephonic conversation in which they discussed bilateral cooperation, global terrorism, and the strengthening of their strategic partnership.

Putin’s visit will mark another chapter in the enduring India-Russia diplomatic alliance, which has remained resilient amid changing geopolitical currents.

 Leaders’ Telephonic Conversation: Key Highlights

According to a statement released by the Kremlin, the call focused on:

• The need for an uncompromising fight against terrorism in all forms

• Strengthening bilateral defense, energy, and trade cooperation

• Reaffirmation that external geopolitical pressures will not affect Indo-Russian ties

• An invitation from PM Modi to attend the annual India-Russia bilateral summit, which Putin accepted “gratefully”

?? Putin’s Visit to India: What It Signifies

President Putin’s upcoming visit to India will be part of the India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit, a tradition that began in 2000. This summit is a key platform where the two nations sign major agreements on:

• Defense procurement and technology transfer

• Nuclear energy and space cooperation

• Trade and economic engagement

• Cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties

By accepting the invitation, Putin has signaled Russia’s commitment to maintaining high-level engagement with India, even amid tensions elsewhere in the world, especially involving Western nations.

A Strategic Partnership Beyond Influence

The Kremlin’s statement emphasized that the India-Russia relationship is immune to external influence, referring indirectly to efforts by global powers to pressure India over its neutral stance on Ukraine.

The statement read:

“External forces will not affect the trajectory of India-Russia relations. Our cooperation spans generations and is based on mutual respect and strategic autonomy.”

This strong wording reflects both nations’ desire to chart an independent foreign policy path, unaffected by Western alliances or economic sanctions.

PM Modi’s Gesture: Invitation Extended for Bilateral Summit

During the call, PM Narendra Modi extended warm congratulations to President Putin on the upcoming 80th Victory Day celebrations in Russia. He also formally invited him to participate in the India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit, scheduled for later in 2025 in New Delhi.

Putin accepted the invitation, confirming his intent to attend the summit in person and use the opportunity to “further deepen strategic cooperation.”

Putin Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that President Putin condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which dozens of civilians were killed. The Russian leader:

• Expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims

• Offered full Russian support in India’s fight against terrorism

• Asserted the need to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“President Putin called PM Modi to express his strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and reaffirm Russia’s unwavering support for India’s counterterrorism efforts.”

 Why Putin’s Statement Matters

Putin’s direct support strengthens India’s case for international action against cross-border terrorism, particularly from Pakistan. His condemnation:

• Adds diplomatic weight to India’s global outreach

• Could influence other countries in the BRICS and SCO alliances

• Shows continuity in India-Russia counterterrorism cooperation

Putin: “No Compromise on Terrorism”

During the call, both leaders stressed the need for a coordinated global response to terrorism. Putin asserted that there can be no double standards or geopolitical calculations when it comes to tackling extremist threats.

This strong joint position sends a message to the global community that India and Russia stand united in the face of terrorism.

India-Russia Ties: A Deep Strategic Alliance

India and Russia share what is officially termed a “Privileged Strategic Partnership”. Key pillars of this relationship include:

• Defense Cooperation: India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian military equipment

• Nuclear Energy: Russia is helping India build civilian nuclear plants

• Space Exploration: Collaboration in satellite launch vehicles and space tech

• Economic Ties: Targeting $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2030

• Education & Culture: Thousands of Indian students study in Russia; cultural festivals are regularly held

Despite global headwinds, both countries have continued to support multilateralism and sovereign decision-making.

 PM Modi Will Not Attend Victory Day Parade in Russia

Although initial reports suggested PM Modi might travel to Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations on May 9, the government has now clarified that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also not attend.

While no official reason has been given, sources indicate that security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack are behind the decision. India wants to prioritize internal national security and focus diplomatic engagements through planned summits, such as Putin’s visit to Delhi.

 Upcoming India-Russia Bilateral Summit: What to Expect

The 2025 Annual Summit is likely to focus on:

• New defense and technology transfer agreements

• Expansion of trade in energy and raw materials

• Local currency trade mechanisms to bypass sanctions

• Joint counterterrorism task force

• People-to-people cooperation and student exchange programs

Both countries are expected to sign multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and launch new bilateral working groups in defense manufacturing and digital technologies.

 Global Reactions and Geopolitical Context

Putin’s acceptance of the invitation comes at a time when:

• India is under international spotlight for managing strategic autonomy amid U.S.-China tensions

• Russia is deepening ties with non-Western partners after sanctions over Ukraine

• India’s rise as a major economic and diplomatic power is being acknowledged worldwide

Experts see this visit as Putin’s message to the West that Russia still has strong allies outside its traditional sphere, and to India that it remains a trusted partner in an increasingly multipolar world.

President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India—after accepting PM Modi’s invitation—underscores the depth and resilience of the Indo-Russian partnership. Against the backdrop of rising global uncertainties, both nations are doubling down on their historical ties to pursue mutual interests in defense, energy, security, and trade.

The joint condemnation of terrorism, reaffirmation of bilateral summit diplomacy, and the strengthening of strategic autonomy reflect a relationship that continues to evolve with mutual trust and shared global vision.