NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he looks forward to hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin in India next month, as New Delhi and Moscow prepare for a major bilateral summit that aims to deepen their long-standing strategic partnership.
Modi conveyed his message during a meeting with Nikolai Patrushev, a top Kremlin aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation, who visited New Delhi on Monday. Modi shared his greetings for Putin and emphasized India’s readiness to host the Russian leader for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit scheduled for early December.
Modi later wrote on X that he held “productive discussions” with Patrushev on maritime cooperation. He highlighted new areas such as connectivity, shipbuilding, the blue economy, and skill development.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Russia, which remains one of New Delhi’s most important diplomatic relationships.
Patrushev’s visit comes as both countries accelerate preparations for Putin’s visit. The upcoming meeting marks 25 years since India and Russia signed the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, a landmark agreement that set the foundation for their modern relations.
Russia’s Embassy in India said both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation, especially in the maritime sector. Patrushev also visited the National War Memorial, paid tribute to fallen Indian soldiers, and toured the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, which chronicles India’s post-independence history.
Putin last traveled to India in December 2021 for the 21st edition of the annual summit. His expected 2024 visit comes at a time of shifting global alliances and growing focus on Indo-Pacific security.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was in Moscow this week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Heads of Government meeting. He met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday to review the bilateral agenda and finalize plans for December’s summit.
Jaishankar also joined other SCO delegates in a courtesy call on Putin. The Russian Foreign Ministry said both sides agreed to work together to support a “just, multipolar world order” and deepen engagement across multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, BRICS, the G20, and the SCO.
India and Russia continue to coordinate closely on regional issues, including the war in Ukraine, energy security, and defense cooperation.
Modi and Putin have maintained frequent communication through phone calls and meetings. The leaders last met in September during the SCO Summit in China’s Tianjin, where they discussed global developments and bilateral ties. Modi told Putin that more than 14 million Indians are “eagerly waiting” for his visit, calling it a reflection of the nations’ “special and privileged strategic partnership.”
In October, Modi called Putin to review progress on key projects and offer birthday wishes. During the call, he reiterated his invitation for Putin to visit India in December.
The upcoming summit is expected to address key sectors such as defense, energy, trade, and maritime collaboration. India’s push to boost domestic manufacturing, combined with Russia’s interest in new investment channels, may create opportunities for joint projects.
Both countries continue to expand cooperation in areas such as nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, and space. Maritime security has recently emerged as a priority, especially with India’s growing interest in Arctic routes and Russia’s focus on developing the Northern Sea Route.
