The Indian Ambassador to Moscow, Pawan Kapoor, indicated that discussions between the Russian leadership and Indian officials were moving toward a possible joint summit between Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi before the end of 2023, according to sources cited by RIA News. The ambassador stressed that talks are taking place at a high level and that the matter is actively being explored through official channels.
Kapur noted that high-level conversations have been ongoing and that a meeting between the two leaders could take several formal shapes. He described the talks as being in a stage where both sides are weighing options, with no single format decided yet, whether it would be a formal summit or a more limited negotiation session.
In December 2022, Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin spoke in a phone call that touched on Ukraine and the broader security and economic issues affecting their countries. Regulation and diplomacy at that time indicated a readiness to engage on key regional dynamics, even as each side weighed its own strategic priorities.
Kapoor had previously mentioned the possibility of Modi and Putin meeting in 2023, underscoring that the exact format would hinge on evolving circumstances and the comfort level of both governments. The emphasis remained on high-level diplomacy and practical outcomes that could be achieved through such a gathering, rather than on any fixed ceremonial profile.
Media coverage from late 2022, including Bloomberg reports, suggested that Modi had decided to forgo certain routine personal meetings with Putin that year, signaling a preference for a more outcome-focused engagement rather than strictly annual formats. This context framed the broader narrative around what type of interaction might suit the evolving strategic partnership between India and Russia in the upcoming period.
Additionally, there were discussions in international forums about Russia’s engagement with allied states and the implications for regional stability. Statements from various bodies indicated that leadership in Moscow anticipated navigating a complex set of geopolitical realities while seeking constructive dialogue with New Delhi, especially on trade, defense cooperation, and energy cooperation that could shape the bilateral relationship in the near term.
Overall, the exchange highlighted a preference on both sides for sustained, high-level diplomacy, with a focus on tangible outcomes rather than ceremonial appearances. The possibility of a joint session between Putin and Modi remained a topic of diplomatic interest, reflecting the enduring importance of the India-Russia partnership in regional and global affairs. Attribution sources include official statements from Indian diplomacy and contemporary coverage by major financial and news agencies that tracked the progression of these discussions and the broader strategic context.