MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to India on December 4–5 for a state visit at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to announcements from the Kremlin and India’s Foreign Ministry on Friday.

During the two-day visit, Putin is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Modi and hold a separate meeting with President Droupadi Murmu. Officials said several intergovernmental and commercial agreements would be signed during the trip, though they did not specify exactly which.

The Kremlin described the visit as an opportunity to review the “particularly privileged strategic partnership” between Russia and India, noting it spans political, trade, economic, scientific, technological, cultural and humanitarian areas.

Putin last visited India in December 2021 — just months before Russia ordered its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The upcoming visit marks a further strengthening of ties amid shifting global dynamics.

Observers note that the trip comes against a backdrop of rising pressure from the United States for India to reduce its imports of Russian oil. India has for years been one of Russia’s largest oil buyers. Recent industry reports suggest Indian refiners plan to cut Russian oil imports in December — a move that could bring purchases to their lowest in at least three years — as companies seek alternatives to avoid potential sanctions.

While trade in energy faces challenges, the Russian government appears intent on advancing broader cooperation with India through fresh deals in other sectors during this visit.