Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Russia Eastern Economic Forum, set to take place from September 10 to September 13 in Vladivostok, situated in Russia's Far East. The potential presence of Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has garnered global attention, but no official confirmation of his attendance from either Russia or the DPRK has been issued.
Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Eastern Economic Forum through a video link, highlighting the event's international significance. In 2019, Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly participated in the forum.
President Putin's speaking engagement is scheduled for September 12, during his stay in Vladivostok from September 11 to 12. At the same time, the Vice-President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LDR) will also be in attendance. President Putin plans to engage in bilateral discussions with numerous foreign delegations attending the economic forum. There have been unconfirmed reports of Kim Jong-un's potential arrival in Russia via his armored train, followed by a meeting with President Putin in Vladivostok.
The Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok anticipates the participation of around seven thousand attendees, with delegates representing fifty different countries. The Indian delegation, among the largest, is a notable presence. On the inaugural day of the conference, Maxim Oreshkin, President Putin's economic advisor, highlighted the resurgence of Russian companies and the growing strength of Russian brands in the local market, attributed in part to Western sanctions. Additionally, Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov reported a significant increase in Russian oil and gas exports during the forum.
The Vladivostok Economic Forum was initiated by President Putin in 2015, with the primary goal of fostering development in Russia's Far East. Russia promotes this international event as a platform for global investors to explore opportunities in the Far East region. The organization of the forum is overseen by Roscongress of Russia, the same entity responsible for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
For India, the Vladivostok Forum holds particular importance. The Indian delegation has been a consistent participant in the Eastern Economic Forum. In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Chennai-Vladivostok sea corridor as part of the "Act in the Far East" policy, which is expected to reduce travel time between Russia and India from 40 days to 24 days. Numerous major Indian corporations have made substantial investments in the Russian Far East, with companies like ONGC involved in oil and gas exploration, Tata Power and Sun Group engaged in coal and gold ventures, and KGK GROUP and M Suresh contributing to diamond processing in the region.
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