Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed that he will visit Russia later this year, signalling continued strategic engagement between New Delhi and Moscow despite shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
Lavrov made the remarks while addressing diplomatic discussions linked to ongoing India-Russia cooperation. The confirmation of Modi’s proposed visit comes at a time when both countries continue to strengthen collaboration in energy, defence, trade and global strategic affairs.
India and Russia have maintained long-standing ties for decades, with Moscow remaining one of New Delhi’s key defence and energy partners. Bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in crude oil imports, military supplies, nuclear energy and connectivity projects.
The expected visit is likely to include discussions on regional security, defence manufacturing, energy cooperation and multilateral forums such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Analysts believe the meeting could also focus on evolving geopolitical tensions involving the Ukraine conflict, West Asia instability and emerging global trade realignments.
Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have maintained regular diplomatic engagement despite increasing pressure from Western countries on Moscow following the Ukraine war. India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy while also maintaining strong economic and strategic relations with Russia.
Russia has emerged as one of India’s largest crude oil suppliers since 2022 after New Delhi significantly increased discounted energy imports from Moscow. Defence cooperation also remains a major pillar of bilateral relations, with India continuing to procure and jointly manufacture several military platforms and equipment with Russian support.
The confirmation of Modi’s Russia visit also comes amid India’s active diplomatic outreach with major global powers, including the United States, the European Union, Gulf countries and China, as New Delhi seeks to balance strategic partnerships across competing geopolitical blocs.
Officials have not yet announced the exact dates or agenda for the visit. However, diplomatic observers say the trip is expected to reinforce India-Russia ties at a time of increasing global uncertainty and rapidly changing international alliances.