Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India, with the dates for his trip currently being finalized, according to Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov. Speaking at an event in New Delhi organized by Sputnik news outlet via video conference, Peskov stated, "We hope soon, very soon. We are looking forward to it; we will figure out the dates for President Putin's visit to India." This will mark his first visit since the onset of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia approximately three years ago.
Peskov's comments followed discussions between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit regarding progress in border de-escalation. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction in meeting his Chinese counterpart at the G20 Summit and noted the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Brics Summit in Kazan earlier this year.
At the Sputnik media event, Peskov highlighted that President Putin welcomed India-China talks but emphasized that Russia has not played a role in these discussions. He also acknowledged India's mediatory role in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, stating, "We value the efforts from the Indian prime minister, and President Putin is truly thankful to Prime Minister Modi and is open to anyone able to contribute." Peskov added, "We don't have any specific plans... But we know that Mr. Modi has a very special and pragmatic relationship with President Putin and is also in contact with the Ukrainian side, so he is able to receive first-hand information... This is very important because it gives Prime Minister Modi the possibility to evaluate the situation objectively."
Putin and Modi share a strong rapport, evident during PM Modi's recent visit to Kazan for the Brics summit. Prior to that, Modi made an official visit to Russia in July, marking his first bilateral visit after resuming office for the third time. Modi was also awarded Russia's highest national honor, "The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle," for his contributions to fostering India-Russia relations. The leaders' camaraderie was highlighted through a warm hug and Modi's drive of an electric car during his visit.
Responding to a question about India-China relations at the media event in New Delhi, Peskov said, "We value our relationship with both India and China... No one, no one should interfere in that... America shouldn't do it. That is our understanding among most countries worldwide. Regional countries are supposed to solve their problems." He further added, "We will continue to develop our relationship with both India and China, and indeed, a couple of weeks ago in Kazan, President Putin had the privilege of welcoming his two good friends." When asked if Russia is playing a role in improving relations between India and China, Peskov clarified, "We are glad that the leaders of India and China had the opportunity to hold their bilateral meeting in Kazan, Russia. This was good news for everyone in the world. However, this was a bilateral initiative of India and China, with no interference from abroad, including us. We were merely the organizers of that summit... Being friends of New Delhi and Beijing, we are ready to contribute in every possible way to normalizing relations between our two friends."
In Moscow, Putin issued a warning to the United States by signing a decree approving the Foundations of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence, the country's updated nuclear doctrine, just days after US President Joe Biden reportedly allowed Ukraine to fire US-supplied long-range American tactical ballistic missiles ATACMS deep into Russia.
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