New Delhi — The dates for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India are yet to be finalised, officials said, amid speculation about a possible trip later this year.
Clarifying the situation, sources said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, during his recent Moscow visit, did not confirm any specific dates. “The timeline being reported as end-August is incorrect,” officials stated.
Doval’s visit focused on strengthening India-Russia ties in energy and defence, even as tensions simmer between India and the U.S. over continued Russian oil imports.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s ongoing crude purchases from Moscow. This brings the total tariff rate on Indian exports to 50%.
India has consistently defended its oil deals with Russia, asserting that energy procurement is guided by national interest and economic factors.
Earlier this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that Putin would visit India in 2025, though no exact timeline was given. If the visit takes place in the second half of the year, it will be his first since December 2021.
India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, urging for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
