Image Credit: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/
Russia Backs India on Cross‑Border Terror, Discusses Arms Deals at SCO Summit
At the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, where the two leaders emphasized mutual security concerns. In a significant move, Russia affirmed its support for India’s position on cross-border terrorism, particularly referring to the recent Pahalgam attack, which New Delhi described as “horrendous and cowardly.” The Russian ministry expressed solidarity and acknowledged the need for coordinated action against terror networks operating across international boundaries.
Cross‑border Terror
India highlighted the necessity for decisive counter‑terror response and accountability mechanisms, urging member states to confront terror sponsorship collectively. Russia endorsed this stance and backed shared security measures, reinforcing a united front against the threat.
India Russia Defence Cooperation
Beyond counter-terrorism, Rajnath Singh and Belousov discussed strengthening strategic military collaboration. Among the key outcomes:
- India is slated to receive two additional S‑400 air defence systems by 2026–27, enhancing its aerial deterrence capabilities.
- Talks also covered upgrading Su‑30MKI fighter jets and speeding up procurement of critical military hardware, signaling a deepening defence partnership.
Strategic Significance
The strategic dialogue occurs amid rising regional tensions and marks a pivotal expansion of Indo‑Russian military engagement. The S‑400 systems, with a 400 km interception range, offer a robust shield against threats from neighbouring adversaries. Additionally, joint efforts in developing missile technology underscore India’s “Make in India” defense ambitions, blending global support with domestic production capacity.
