New Delhi, May 6, 2025 — Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India later this year, the Kremlin confirmed on Monday. The acceptance came during a phone conversation between the two leaders following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22.
During a phone call initiated by President Putin, both leaders discussed bilateral relations and rising regional tensions. Modi extended his invitation for the annual India-Russia summit, while Putin conveyed his condolences and strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack, calling it a “brutal crime with no justification.” He emphasized that the attackers and their supporters must be brought to justice.
According to a statement from Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, “President Putin expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism and reiterated that perpetrators must face justice.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India later this year, as confirmed by the Kremlin’s official statement. The announcement comes in the wake of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed several civilians.
Russia Reaffirms Stand Against Terrorism
President Putin had earlier sent messages of condolence to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which several civilians—including foreign nationals—lost their lives. He called the attack a “brutal crime” with “no justification whatsoever,” and stressed Russia’s resolve to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation with India.
Moscow’s official statement echoed India’s position, noting that “an uncompromising fight against terrorism in all its manifestations” is essential. This mirro
This reaffirmation of support comes just days after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, conveying a similar demand to punish the attack’s planners and supporters. Moscow reiterated its stance that both nations must engage in an “uncompromising fight against terrorism in all its manifestations.”
red External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov days earlier.
Annual India-Russia Summit Planned
The call also served to confirm Putin’s visit to India for the traditional annual bilateral summit scheduled for later this year. PM Modi extended the formal invitation while also conveying greetings to Putin ahead of Russia’s 80th Victory Day celebrations marking the end of World War II in Europe.
Although Modi was invited to the Victory Day parade in Moscow, security concerns after the Pahalgam attack have led to a change in representation. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth is expected to attend on behalf of India, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also likely to skip the event.
This year marks a pivotal moment in Indo-Russian ties. As the Indian Express reports, the reaffirmation of India-Russia relations comes despite rising international pressures, with both nations stating that their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” is not subject to external influence.
Modi previously visited Russia twice last year — once for the bilateral summit and another time for the BRICS Summit in Kazan. With this upcoming visit by Putin, both leaders aim to deepen cooperation across defense, trade, and counter-terrorism.
Strategic Partnership Remains Firm
Both sides affirmed that their bilateral relationship continues to progress dynamically, regardless of geopolitical pressures—an indirect reference to the influence of powers such as the United States and China.
In 2024, PM Modi had visited Russia twice—once for the annual summit and again for the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The upcoming visit by Putin is expected to further solidify cooperation in defense, energy, and regional security between the two long-standing partners.
With heightened tensions in the region and the UN Security Council preparing to address India-Pakistan frictions, Russia’s overt support for India reinforces the significance of the bilateral alliance.
Stay tuned for updates on Putin’s visit and India-Russia strategic developments.
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