Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI file photo)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to India in December, the Kremlin confirmed on Friday, as strong ties between the two countries are in focus after Donald Trump-led US administration’s imposition of trade tariffs on New Delhi.Putin is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on Monday in China’s Tianjin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told AFP that the two leaders would discuss “preparation for the December visit.”The announcement comes days after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s “massive” purchases of Russian oil. Washington has sought to cut Russia’s energy revenues, a crucial source of funding for Moscow’s state budget, as part of efforts to pressure President Putin to end the war in Ukraine.India, however, has continued to expand energy cooperation with Russia, which also remains one of its largest arms suppliers. The partnership, rooted in Cold War-era ties, has long been described by both capitals as a strategic friendship.Since Russia’s war against Ukraine in February 2022, Western allies have tried to reduce Moscow’s export earnings through sanctions and trade restrictions.