In a significant diplomatic development, the Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be visiting India soon. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that the specific dates for the visit would be revealed shortly.
“Specific dates of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India will soon be announced, and Russia will begin preparing for it,” Peskov said, expressing optimism about the visit. He further noted that the visit follows two recent trips by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia, underscoring the growing bilateral ties between the two nations.
The announcement comes amidst heightened international scrutiny of Putin, as he faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. In March 2023, the ICC issued warrants for both Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, accusing them of war crimes related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Under the Rome Statute, which governs the ICC, member countries are required to detain individuals with active arrest warrants if they enter their territory. However, India has not signed or ratified the Rome Statute, meaning that Putin is not subject to arrest in India.
India has consistently maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, abstaining from voting against Russia at the United Nations and continuing its trade relations with Moscow, particularly in oil. This has drawn criticism from the United States and its allies, who have imposed sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Despite international pressure, India’s strategic partnership with Russia remains a key pillar of its foreign policy, especially in the areas of energy and defense.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia’s Kazan for the BRICS summit further strengthened the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. During the summit, Modi and Putin held a bilateral meeting, discussing various aspects of their cooperation.
As the world watches closely, the planned visit by President Putin to India is expected to further solidify the longstanding ties between the two nations, which have continued to thrive despite geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Sources By Agencies