Putin plans India trip in 2025 as Moscow, Delhi strengthen strategic dialogue

Russia is preparing for President Vladimir Putin to visit India before the end of 2025, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on August 21.

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow following talks with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Lavrov described political dialogue between the two countries as “highly dynamic,” Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“Our political interaction, the dialogue at the highest level, between foreign ministries and other state institutions, is developing actively,” he said.

“Today we discussed upcoming events within this dialogue, including preparations for the visit of the Russian president to India before the end of this year.”

To recall, U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated trade tensions with India by imposing steep tariffs in response to New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

On July 30, Trump unveiled a 25% tariff on Indian goods, followed by an August 6 executive order adding a further 25% penalty, bringing duties on most Indian exports to 50% by late August.

The White House framed the move as part of a broader campaign of “secondary tariffs” aimed at reducing global demand for Russian energy, which Washington argues helps finance Moscow’s war in Ukraine. U.S. Treasury Secretary Meredith Bessent accused India of “profiteering” by buying discounted Russian crude and re-exporting refined fuels.

India condemned the measures as “unfair and unjustified,” insisting Russian oil is essential for its energy security.

Analysts warn the tariffs could shave 0.3 percentage points off India’s GDP growth, hitting sectors such as electronics and textiles.

By Aghakazim Guliyev