Russia Defence Minister Highlights Time-Tested Friendship and Strategic Partnership with India

Andrei Belousov extended Navy Day congratulations to India during official proceedings.

The Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov emphasized the enduring friendship that connects Russia and India.

During the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's delegation, Belousov highlighted that the relationship between the nations is founded on mutual respect.

"As you just said, our countries are tied with a solid, time-proven friendship, which is based on mutual respect. And on our way here, while we were in the car discussing various things, we came to the common ground that we are binded with a very deep tradition, which are very typical for the Russian and Indian nations," Belousov remarked.

He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome received upon his arrival in India.

"I sincerely glad to meet you once again on Indian soil. We are grateful for the hospitality shown to us from the first minutes of stay in Delhi," he stated.

Belousov emphasized that bilateral relations between the countries hold strategic significance, and the partnership with India serves as a crucial factor for stability in the South Asian region.

"This year we mark 80th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, and I personally thank Indian delegation for the participation in the solemn activities, which were organized in Moscow in May this year. Our bilateral relations have a strategic character, and the partnership with India is a key factor for the balance in South Asian region and the global stability in general," he explained.

Additionally, he extended his congratulations to India on the occasion of Navy Day.

"Russia actively cooperates in full scale with India in formation of the new outlook of the Army, Air Force, and the Navy. And using this opportunity, let me congratulate you, the command, and all Indian sailors with the National Navy Day," Belousov said.

He noted that the intergovernmental commission on military and military-technical cooperation facilitates mutually advantageous decisions in defense matters.

"Distinguished Minister, the intergovernmental commission on military and military-technical cooperation brings the huge dedication in taking part in taking effective and mutually beneficial decisions in the military domain. Today we sum up its work and define the new tasks for the future," he added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Thursday that Russia continues to be India's strategic partner in technology and Defence despite recent geopolitical developments.

Speaking at the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting at Manekshaw Centre, Singh mentioned that the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin would further strengthen the special privileged partnership between the two nations.