India delivered a powerful message on the enduring strength of its strategic partnership with Russia on Thursday. The assurance came just hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in New Delhi for a crucial bilateral summit.
Steady Partnership Amid Global Uncertainty
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the 22nd meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). He emphasised that bilateral defence cooperation remains robust "despite the geopolitical uncertainty." Singh described Russia as a "time-tested, special privileged, and strategic partner", noting consistent growth in defence ties since the landmark 2000 Strategic Partnership Declaration.
"I thank you very much for coming all the way to India to discuss and promote bilateral defence cooperation between our countries," Singh stated, addressing his Russian counterpart. "It is good that despite the geopolitical uncertainty, our India-Russia defence cooperation is moving at a healthy pace."
Russian Defence Minister Echoes Sentiment
Co-chairing the meeting, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov reinforced the message of a long-standing alliance. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of their military collaboration. "Russia actively cooperates in full scale with India in formation of the new outlook of the Army, Air Force, and the Navy," Belousov said. He also extended congratulations to India on its National Navy Day.
Belousov praised the intergovernmental commission's role, stating it brings "huge dedication in taking part in taking effective and mutually beneficial decisions in the military domain."
Wider Economic Engagement on the Agenda
Beyond defence, Minister Singh pointed to expanding economic links. He welcomed the successful 26th meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Moscow last month. Singh also noted the commencement of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union.
Expressing anticipation for the summit, Singh added, "We were also eagerly awaiting the visit of His Excellency, Vladimir Putin… which has been fulfilled today."
Setting the Stage for the Modi-Putin Summit
The high-level defence talks served as a precursor to the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Earlier on Thursday, the two defence ministers paid homage at the National War Memorial, followed by Belousov inspecting a Tri-Service Guard of Honour.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for his first visit in four years. His last trip to India was in 2021. This visit, his first since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, began with a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders have maintained contact, speaking five times by phone in 2024 alone, with their last in-person meeting occurring at the SCO Summit in Tianjin.
Putin's return underscores the ongoing evolution of the India-Russia partnership. The relationship continues to adapt to new global realities, balancing a foundational defence partnership with growing cooperation in areas like technology, energy, education, and workforce mobility.
