According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Indian and Russian officials are preparing for the visit, which will be Putin’s first trip to India since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Peskov told Indian journalists in a virtual conference organized by Sputnik Television that the visit’s dates have not yet been decided.
“I hope it will be soon,” Peskov said when asked about Putin’s visit, which follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two visits to Russia. Modi had attended the annual summit in Moscow in July and participated in the BRICS summit in Kazan. “We are looking forward to it and will begin detailed preparations for the visit… We don’t have any specific dates yet,” added Peskov, who also serves as Putin’s Press Secretary. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not confirm the visit when asked.
The statement came as Ukraine marked 1,000 days of the war since Russia’s invasion, with the conflict nearing a more dangerous phase. On November 19, 2024, Russia reported that Ukraine had fired six long-range missiles, including US-made ATACMS missiles, into Russia’s Bryansk region. These were weapons that the US had previously not authorized for use in cross-border attacks. In response, the Kremlin revealed that Putin had approved changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for a nuclear response if a non-nuclear state like Ukraine is supported by a nuclear power.
Peskov dismissed the idea that missiles could help Ukraine defeat Russia, asserting that the Kremlin would respond to any missile strikes at the “required time, in the required manner.” He emphasized the close relationship between Putin and Modi, noting that they speak regularly and have a “special” bond. Russia, he said, appreciates India’s efforts, along with those of other countries, to help resolve the Ukraine conflict. However, Peskov did not confirm whether Modi had offered to mediate but acknowledged that, as a leader who receives direct information from both Russian and Ukrainian leaders, the Indian Prime Minister is uniquely positioned to assist in the peace process.
“We appreciate the efforts of every country to help with the crisis, especially when they come from close friends like India,” Peskov said. He also referenced US President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promises to bring peace to the conflict, expressing hope that the next US administration would reconsider its stance on Russia. “Trump spoke of peace during his election campaign. We don’t know what he can deliver, but at least he speaks of peace,” Peskov said, accusing the Biden administration of prolonging the war.
In response to a question from The Hindu about the evolving nature of India-Russia relations, particularly in light of delays in military supplies, Peskov noted the significant pressure India is facing from the United States, particularly through sanctions. He emphasized that India-Russia military cooperation demonstrates the strength of their relationship, as only close allies can engage in sophisticated technological collaboration, including joint production. Criticizing the US for applying what he called “illegal pressure” through sanctions, Peskov acknowledged the disruptions this has caused in India’s trade and oil payments to Russia. He stated that the Kremlin is aware of these challenges and understands India’s position.