Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, with specific dates to be announced shortly, according to Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov.
He stated, "We hope to finalise the dates soon and begin preparations. After Prime Minister Modi's two visits to Russia, we are now looking forward to the President's visit to India."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted Russia's role in India-China relations, noting the bilateral meeting between their leaders in Kazan was a positive development. "It was entirely a bilateral initiative, with no interference from us, though we’re ready to help normalise relations between our friends," he said.
Addressing India's participation in the Quad, Peskov added, "India respects and values its cooperation with Russia, but as a sovereign nation, it seeks benefits in all directions, which we fully understand."
This will mark Putin's first visit to India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022. His last visit was on December 6, 2021, when he travelled to New Delhi for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With the Russian President visiting India, global attention will inevitably focus on India's diplomatic stance. Known for its balanced approach, India rarely takes sides in conflicts and consistently advocates for peace.
However, a Putin visit, especially amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, could stir reactions, particularly from Western nations. While a Trump-led US might not object significantly, other Western allies could perceive the visit as controversial, potentially straining relations. Such optics could risk backfiring on India, complicating its delicate balance of maintaining global partnerships while pursuing its independent foreign policy.
Ukraine to use US weapons to strike Russia
Outgoing US President Joe Biden has reportedly allowed Ukraine to use the US-provided weapons to strike inside Russia, though the White House has not commented. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the reports, stating, “Strikes are not made with words... The missiles will speak for themselves.” Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski welcomed the move, saying it sends a message in “a language that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin understands.”
In response, Putin formally lowered Russia's threshold for using nuclear weapons, a move that risks escalating the war further. This decision could have catastrophic consequences, endangering global stability, harming economies, and affecting billions of lives worldwide.
With two months left in office, President Joe Biden's decision comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Trump and his team have expressed scepticism about strong support for Ukraine, raising uncertainty over whether he will reverse the move to allow Ukraine to use the US-supplied weapons against Russia.
