India, Oct. 3 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed his India visit days after reports said he would be taking a trip in December this year. During a media interaction, Putin said he was looking forward to the visit and to meeting his "dear friend" PM Modi.

"I am looking forward to my trip in early December and I highly await my meeting with my dear friend, our trustworthy partner, PM Modi," Putin said.

It was earlier reported that Putin would visit by the end of this year for an annual summit with PM Modi. His India trip would be aimed at shoring up strategic and economic cooperation in the face of US President Donald Trump's 50% import duties on India.

Putin also reflected on the ties between India and Russia, tracing the...