India and Russia Bolster Defence Cooperation
India and Russia took significant steps toward enhancing their long-standing defence partnership as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow today. The meeting occurred during the 21st session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), an annual platform for strategic discussions on military collaboration.
Bilateral Talks in Moscow
During the meeting, Singh conveyed greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the immense potential of India-Russia ties in defence and security. Emphasizing the depth of the relationship, Singh remarked, “Our friendship is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean,” reaffirming India’s commitment to its enduring partnership with Russia.
The discussions focused on exploring new avenues of cooperation in military technology, joint development of defence equipment, and strengthening supply chain mechanisms. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress in existing defence agreements and emphasized the need for continued collaboration to address shared strategic challenges.
Key Outcomes of the Defence Talks
The IRIGC-M&MTC session served as a platform to review ongoing projects and lay the groundwork for future initiatives. Singh and Putin highlighted the importance of co-developing advanced military platforms and enhancing interoperability between their respective armed forces.
The meeting also covered regional security issues, with both sides agreeing to coordinate efforts to ensure peace and stability in their respective spheres of influence. Singh reiterated India’s unwavering support for Russia amid global geopolitical challenges, underlining the critical role of defence ties in fostering mutual trust and cooperation.
A Strategic Partnership for the Future
India and Russia’s robust defence ties remain a cornerstone of their strategic partnership. The high-level meeting at the Kremlin is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration, reflecting shared priorities and a commitment to bolstering security in an increasingly complex global landscape.
