Moscow, 25 March

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on 24 March that Russia is actively expanding ties with most global countries, including China, India, Iran, North Korea, as well as CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries. "We enjoy a particularly privileged strategic partnership with India," Russian state media quoted him as saying.

"We give priority to promoting ties with most global countries. The relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with the People's Republic of China reflect an unprecedented level of mutual trust," Lavrov said while addressing a meeting of the board of trustees of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.

He added that the main trend is the creation of a fair multipolar world order. "New global centers outside the global West – China and India, as well as our other BRICS and SCO partners – are steadily strengthening."

On the occasion of 76th Republic Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised India's achievements in the last 75 years. He also emphasized on the strong and lasting strategic partnership between Russia and India.

Putin's message said, "Russian-Indian relations are based on a special and privileged strategic partnership. I am confident that we will use joint efforts to constantly pursue productive bilateral cooperation in all areas as well as constructive dialogue in international affairs. There is no doubt that this meets the fundamental interests of our friendly peoples and is in line with efforts to build a fair multipolar international order." Putin and Prime Minister Modi remain in regular contact and speak on the phone once every two months.

In December last year, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov had said that President Putin has received an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India and the dates of his visit will be decided in early 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia twice in 2024, first in July as part of the agreements under the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership, followed by a second visit in October to attend the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan.