The talks are expected to center on energy, trade, and strengthening India-Russia ties amid US tariff pressures. (Image Credits: The Diplomat)
Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 3. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the two leaders will discuss “preparation for the December visit” to India.
“Preparations for our president's upcoming visit to India at the very end of the year, in December, will be discussed,” Sputnik quoted Ushakov as saying.
According to Ushakov, more than ten bilateral meetings are scheduled for Putin during the SCO and SCO+ summits. While the detailed agenda remains under wraps, the Modi-Putin dialogue is expected to focus on energy ties, trade cooperation, and upcoming diplomatic engagements.
Although no specific timeframe has been finalized, Putin is set to travel to India later this year for the annual bilateral summit with Prime Minister Modi. Discussions around the visit were also raised earlier this month when India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met senior Russian officials in Moscow. Sources confirmed that dates were still being worked out.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had underlined the significance of the upcoming trip, saying: “It is symbolic that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first bilateral foreign visit after his re-election last year to Russia. Now it is our turn…The visit of the head of the Russian state to India is being prepared.”
The Modi-Putin meeting comes at a time when the United States has imposed heavy tariffs on India, including a 50 percent general tariff and a 25 percent penalty tariff, linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Energy exports remain a critical revenue stream for Moscow’s budget. Western countries have tried to limit Russia's income since the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022. Moscow has responded by shifting a large portion of its oil shipments to Asian allies, namely China and India.
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Despite global pressure, India and Russia have maintained strong ties, balancing energy security and strategic cooperation. Putin's trip to India in December is anticipated to strengthen this alliance while tackling more significant regional and international issues.
