Russian House Delhi Hosts Defense Exhibition Celebrating 25 Years of Military Cooperation Ahead of Putin's Visit to India

The Russian House in New Delhi has organized an impressive photo exhibition commemorating the 25th anniversary of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation and Rosoboronexport, the state arms exporter, just before President Vladimir Putin's scheduled visit to India on Thursday.

The exhibition displays images capturing Vladimir Putin with various Indian Prime Ministers over the past 25 years, including current PM Modi, emphasizing the strong defense partnership maintained between the two nations.

Showcased at the event were models of significant defense systems from both Russia and India, including the indigenous Brahmos missiles, Russian S-400 missile systems, and Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter jets.

The Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation was initially established as a committee on December 1, 2000, by presidential decree, operating under the Ministry of Defence. It was later transformed into its current form on March 9, 2004. Rosoboronexport, Russia's agency handling the export and import of weapons, military technology, and related services, was also founded in 2000.

This exhibition serves as a prelude to Putin's imminent visit to New Delhi.

In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, citizens held a welcome march and performed Aarti to celebrate the significance of Putin's upcoming visit.

Vishal Bharat Sansthan Chairman Rajeev Srivastav stated, "We are welcoming Russian President Putin... Only India and Russia's friendship can bring peace... It is a symbiotic relationship with both leaders (President Putin and PM Modi) working towards global peace and stability... We have maintained cultural relations with Russia, a trusted long-term ally of India."

He further added, "While many nations remained ambiguous during Operation Sindoor, Russia clearly positioned itself with India. We wholeheartedly welcome this support and have organized a march to welcome President Putin. We hope for further strengthening of Indo-Russian friendship."

During Putin's visit, the two countries plan to sign a program for developing strategic cooperation in economic sectors through 2030, as announced by the Kremlin on Wednesday.

Russian state media TASS quoted Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov telling reporters that Putin's December 4-5 visit is "important" as it "provides the opportunity to comprehensively discuss the entire extensive agenda of Russian-Indian ties."

According to Ushakov, as reported by TASS, "It is meant to sign and adopt the whole range of bilateral documents in the various spheres in conclusion of the visit, including the Development Programme of strategic areas of Russian-Indian economic cooperation by 2030."

Putin is visiting India at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, marking his first visit to the country in four years.