Moscow: Russia is “actively preparing” for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, expected to take place before the end of this year, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, according to Russian state media TASS.

“We are currently actively preparing for President Putin’s visit to India, which is planned before the end of this year. We hope that it will be a meaningful visit,” Peskov told reporters.

When asked about reports in Indian media that Russia and India may sign a labour mobility agreement during the upcoming summit in December, Peskov declined to confirm the details. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We will announce all the agreements that are planned to be reached in due time,” he said.

Indian media reports have suggested that the proposed agreement would facilitate the official employment of Indian citizens in Russia under quotas managed by the Russian Ministry of Labour.

The upcoming visit would be Putin’s first trip to India since 2021. The Russian and Indian leaders last met in person on September 1 this year in Tianjin, China, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

India and Russia signed their Strategic Partnership Agreement on October 3, 2000, and have since maintained strong cooperation in areas including defence, energy, and trade.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that trade talks with India are progressing well, while reiterating his claim that India has reduced its imports of Russian oil.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor as the U.S. Ambassador to India, Trump said, “We’re making a deal with India — much different than we had. They’re very good negotiators, so Sergio, you’ll have to take a look at that. I think we’re pretty close to a deal that’s good for everybody.”

Trump also indicated he may visit India as early as next year, as both sides continue efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.