NEW DELHI, Nov 19 – Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in the coming weeks, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, with specific dates for the visit to be announced soon. The trip marks the latest development in diplomatic ties between Moscow and New Delhi amid ongoing international tensions over Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
“Specific dates of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India will soon be announced and Russia will begin preparing for it,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
Peskov emphasized the significance of the visit, noting it follows two recent trips to Russia by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “After two visits of Prime Minister Modi to Russia, now we have a visit of the President to India, so we’re looking forward to it,” he said.
The announcement comes as Putin remains under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes related to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The ICC, in March 2023, accused Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, of forcibly deporting children from Ukraine, a charge the Kremlin denies.
Under the ICC’s Rome Statute, which binds member states, countries must detain individuals under ICC warrants if they enter their territory. However, India is neither a signatory nor a ratified member of the Rome Statute, meaning Putin cannot be legally arrested during his visit.
India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict has drawn criticism from Western nations. New Delhi has abstained from UN votes condemning Russia’s actions and continues to purchase Russian oil, a lifeline for Moscow amid sanctions imposed by Western powers.
The strategic partnership between India and Russia has deepened, with both nations emphasizing historical ties. Modi’s recent visit to Kazan, Russia, for the BRICS leaders’ summit last month included a bilateral meeting with Putin, underscoring continued cooperation despite global geopolitical rifts.
Putin’s visit to India is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations, though it is likely to draw scrutiny from the United States and its allies.
The visit also comes at a time of significant shifts in global alliances. As members of the BRICS group, India and Russia have sought to position themselves as influential players in counterbalancing Western hegemony.
(With inputs from reports)
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The Chenab Times News Desk
