Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in December, the Kremlin confirmed on Friday. The news comes at a time when Putin’s visit to India carries high importance because India-Russia ties are strengthening while US tariffs are straining New Delhi’s trade relations.
Before his India trip, Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China from August 31 to September 1. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the leaders will discuss preparation for the December meeting. On September 3, Putin will attend China’s World War II victory parade as the main guest. He will also hold talks with Modi, Turkey’s President Erdogan, Iran’s President Pezeshkian, and Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari. A meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is also under consideration.
The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on India, accusing New Delhi of funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through oil purchases. Former US trade advisor Peter Navarro even called the conflict “Modi’s war.” India strongly rejected these remarks. Officials clarified that buying Russian crude is based on energy needs. New Delhi also pointed out that the US and Europe continue to trade with Moscow, exposing Western hypocrisy.
