Russia Remains India's Vital Strategic Partner in Defence and Technology Despite Global Shifts

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed on Thursday that Russia continues to be India's strategic partner in technology and defence sectors, despite recent geopolitical shifts.

During the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) ministerial meeting at Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, Singh emphasized that the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin would further enhance the special privileged partnership between the two nations.

"Russia remains India's strategic partner in technology and defence. Our relationship has continued despite geopolitical developments. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin have maintained regular high-level contact. They held extensive discussions during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China in June 2025," stated the Defence Minister.

"We were anticipating President Vladimir Putin's visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, which has been fulfilled today. I believe this Leaders' Summit will further strengthen the Special and Privileged Partnership between our countries," he added.

Singh expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the 26th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Moscow last month and praised the beginning of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union.

"We welcome the successful 26th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Moscow last month, and the initiation of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union," he remarked.

The 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC session included comprehensive discussions on all aspects of the defence partnership, covering progress on major contracts, licensed production, and technology transfer initiatives.

Earlier that day, Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov paid their respects by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

Belousov co-chaired the 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC ministerial meeting with Singh ahead of Putin's scheduled arrival later in the evening.

The Russian Defence Minister also inspected the Tri-Service Guard of Honour in Singh's presence.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth received Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov on Thursday at Air Force Station, Palam in New Delhi.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was also present during the reception.

Belousov's arrival precedes Vladimir Putin's two-day State visit to New Delhi.

Putin's visit marks his first trip to India since 2021 and his first since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. The two leaders last met in person on September 1 this year in Tianjin, China, during the SCO Summit.