India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission Meeting Strengthens Defense Ties
In a significant development, the 22nd ministerial meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on military cooperation was held in New Delhi. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov discussed various aspects of their longstanding partnership. Singh emphasized the importance of their strategic alliance, which has grown since the declaration of their partnership in 2000. Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of their defense collaboration, despite global uncertainties. The meeting also set the stage for the upcoming annual summit between the two nations, aimed at further solidifying their ties. This article delves into the key discussions and outcomes of the meeting.
| Dec 4, 2025, 19:36 IST
Strengthening Defense Cooperation
The 22nd ministerial meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on military and military-technical cooperation took place today in New Delhi. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov engaged in discussions covering various aspects of collaboration. During his address, Rajnath Singh emphasized that Russia is a time-tested friend of India. He expressed gratitude for Belousov's visit to India to discuss and enhance bilateral defense cooperation, highlighting that Russia is a privileged and strategic partner for India. Since the signing of the strategic partnership declaration in 2000, the defense collaboration between the two nations has significantly expanded.
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Rajnath noted that despite geopolitical uncertainties, the defense cooperation between India and Russia continues to progress positively. He mentioned that the result-oriented exchanges between personnel and experts from both armed forces have maintained the momentum of their defense partnership. Furthermore, he welcomed the successful conduct of the 26th meeting of the India-Russia working group on trade and economic cooperation held in Moscow last month, as well as the commencement of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union led by Russia. Rajnath expressed anticipation for the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India for the 23rd annual India-Russia summit, which took place today, believing that this summit would further strengthen the special and privileged partnership between the two countries.
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Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov expressed his pleasure in meeting once again on Indian soil. He acknowledged the strong, time-tested friendship between the two nations, which is based on mutual respect. During their discussions in the car, they reached a consensus on the deep traditions that characterize both Russian and Indian nations. He emphasized that their bilateral relations have a strategic dimension, and the partnership with India is a crucial factor for balance in the South Asian region and global security. Russia fully collaborates with India in developing new approaches for the army, air force, and navy. On this occasion, he extended greetings to Rajnath Singh and all Indian sailors on National Navy Day.