Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed "full support" for India amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, while accepting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit for a bilateral summit later this year. The two leaders spoke via telephone on Monday as concerns of potential military confrontation between India and Pakistan continue to grow.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Putin "strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam" during the call with Prime Minister Modi.
"He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism," Jaiswal stated. "He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice."
The Russian President's strong condemnation comes as India continues to address security challenges following the Pahalgam incident, which has further strained relations with neighboring Pakistan.
This conversation follows a May 3 telephone discussion between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, where they also discussed the Pahalgam terror attack.
During that earlier call, Lavrov had advocated for the settlement of disagreements between Delhi and Islamabad through "political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis," suggesting Russia's preference for de-escalation while maintaining support for India.
The latest communication between Putin and Modi represents a significant diplomatic development as tensions in the region remain heightened.
During Monday's call, Prime Minister Modi extended his greetings to Putin on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union's victory in World War II.
Modi used the opportunity to formally invite the Russian President to attend an annual bilateral summit in India later this year. According to the Kremlin, "The invitation was gratefully accepted," though no specific dates have yet been announced for the visit.
Putin's forthcoming visit to India signals the continued importance both nations place on their longstanding strategic partnership. The bilateral relationship has remained resilient despite shifting global dynamics and international pressures.
Russia has historically been one of India's most consistent defense partners, and the planned summit could further strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, including defense, energy, and trade.
The timing of this diplomatic exchange is particularly noteworthy as both countries navigate complex international relationships while addressing regional security challenges.
Putin's expression of "full support" for India and his acceptance of Modi's summit invitation highlight the enduring strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi. As regional tensions persist, this diplomatic engagement underscores Russia's continued backing of India during a period of heightened security concerns.