Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, according to Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, who announced on Tuesday. Peskov stated that the specific dates for a visit would be revealed shortly, and preparations for the trip would commence afterward.

“We will soon announce the precise dates of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India and begin preparations,” Peskov said. “After two visits by Prime Minister Modi to Russia, we are now looking forward to the President’s visit to India.”

Context of Putin’s Visit

Putin’s visit comes amid heightened scrutiny over an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2023, accusing him and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for child rights, of alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The ICC claims they were involved in the unlawful transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia during the ongoing conflict.

Under the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty, any member state must detain individuals with outstanding warrants if they enter their jurisdiction. However, India is neither a signatory nor a party to the Rome Statute, which means the warrant holds no binding authority in the country. As a result, Putin cannot be arrested during his visit.

India-Russia Relations  

India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, abstaining from voting against Moscow in United Nations resolutions. Despite pressure from the United States and its allies in the Western bloc, it has also continued to import Russian oil, further underlining its independent approach to foreign policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Kazan, Russia, for the annual BRICS summit, where he held a bilateral meeting with Putin on the sidelines. The Russian president’s upcoming visit is expected to strengthen further bilateral ties, particularly in the trade, energy, and defense sectors.

Broader Implications  

Despite international controversies surrounding the Russian leader, Putin’s visit signals continued diplomatic engagement between India and Russia. It also highlights India’s balancing act on the global stage, maintaining relationships with diverse nations while navigating complex geopolitical pressures.  

As the visit approaches, both nations are likely to focus on critical areas of cooperation, including strategic partnerships, trade, and multilateral engagements within forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).