Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will embark on a two-day visit to Russia starting Sunday to bolster bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on expediting key projects. The visit comes as India urges Russia to accelerate the delivery of the advanced S-400 Triumf missile defence systems, a critical component of India’s defence arsenal.
A major highlight of the trip will be the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), which Singh will co-chair alongside Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov in Moscow on December 10. The discussions will centre on ongoing defence projects and the timely delivery of the remaining two units of the S-400 system, considered one of the world’s most sophisticated air defence platforms.
The S-400 procurement was finalized in 2018 under a $5.43 billion agreement, with three units already delivered. The timely delivery of the remaining units is crucial for India’s strategic defence preparedness.
Another significant event during the visit will be the commissioning of INS Tushil, the Indian Navy’s newest multirole stealth-guided missile frigate, at the Yantra Shipyard in Kaliningrad on December 9. The frigate represents a key milestone in the expanding naval collaboration between India and Russia, highlighting their growing technological and industrial partnership. Defence Minister Singh will be joined by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi at the ceremony.
In addition to strengthening military ties, Singh will also pay homage to Soviet soldiers at the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow and engage with the Indian community in Russia, further cementing bilateral goodwill.
Rajnath Singh’s visit underlines India’s ongoing commitment to deepening strategic and defence ties with Russia, ensuring the continued modernization of its armed forces and fostering cooperation across military and industrial domains.
Team BharatShakti
