(Image source from: AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to travel to India later this year, with exact dates being worked out, as confirmed by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval during his trip to Moscow on Thursday. In discussions with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Doval expressed that New Delhi is "excited and pleased" about the upcoming visit. He referred to previous India-Russia summits as "turning points" in their relationship, highlighting the importance of the soon-to-happen meeting. This trip will mark President Putin's first journey to India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict started in 2022.

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin had two meetings - once when PM Modi visited Moscow in July for the 22nd India-Russia summit, which was his first official trip since his third term began. During this visit, PM Modi received Russia's top civilian award, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen ties between India and Russia. The leaders came together again in October in Kazan when PM Modi participated in the BRICS Summit. Putin's upcoming visit is significant, especially amid rising trade disputes between New Delhi and Washington regarding India's ongoing purchase of Russian oil. Recently, US President Donald Trump approved a new order imposing an extra 25 percent tax on Indian imports, pointing to India's continuous acquisition of Russian oil. The US has also warned of further sanctions against those purchasing Russian oil unless Moscow agrees to cease hostilities in Ukraine, which is now entering its fourth year, by Friday.

At the same time, the Kremlin has announced that President Putin is also anticipated to have a meeting with Trump in the next few days.