New Delhi, August 7: Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India, but the dates are still under discussion, according to officials familiar with the matter. Despite recent media reports suggesting a possible visit by the end of August, sources have clarified that no specific timeline has been confirmed.
“During his visit to Moscow, the National Security Advisor (NSA) stated that the dates for President Putin’s visit are still being worked out. No particular date or timeframe was indicated during his engagements,” officials said, dismissing speculation about an August visit as inaccurate.
The clarification comes as NSA Ajit Doval visits Russia for high-level discussions focused on strengthening bilateral energy and defence cooperation.
Doval’s trip also takes place against the backdrop of tensions between India and the United States, stemming from India’s continued import of Russian crude oil despite Western sanctions on Moscow.
In a move reflecting growing U.S. displeasure, President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, doubling the overall tariff burden to 50%—a direct response to India’s sustained oil trade with Russia.
India, however, has defended its energy strategy, asserting that its oil purchases are based on national interest and global market dynamics.
Putin’s Visit Expected in 2025
Earlier this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that President Putin is slated to visit India in 2025. This would mark his first trip to the country since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Lavrov, during an April statement, said that preparations for the visit were underway, although no specific dates were announced at the time.
Putin last visited India in December 2021. If the 2025 visit materialises as expected in the latter half of the year, it will be his first in nearly four years.
