Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in December, a trip that could test New Delhi’s delicate balancing act between Moscow and Washington amid escalating pressure from the United States over oil and weapons purchases from the sanctioned country.
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Analysts say the visit is likely to deepen India’s defiance of Western demands as it strengthens energy and defence ties with Russia. But it could also complicate Delhi’s strategic ambitions – including a potential trade deal with the US – as Washington grows impatient with nations seen as undermining its sanctions regime.
Moscow has already confirmed that preparations are under way.
“Yes, we have finalised the time frame for [the] India visit of the president. It would take place before the new year sets in,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media on Thursday.
The Indian government has yet to officially confirm the visit.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to travel to India next month to finalise details of the trip, according to local media reports.