Rajnath Singh emphasises the enduring strength of India-Russia relations and their evolution in recent years
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the strength of India’s strategic partnership with Russia during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday (December 12, 2024). Singh described the bilateral friendship as “higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean.” 

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 21st session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC).

Singh co-chaired the session with his Russian counterpart, Defence Minister Andrey Belousov. Both leaders signed a protocol outlining ongoing and future cooperation in military and technical domains, further strengthening ties that have been referred to as a “special and privileged strategic partnership.”

In a statement released by the Indian Ministry of Defence, Singh emphasized the enduring strength of India-Russia relations and their evolution in recent years. “The India-Russia relationship is very strong and has lived up to the responsibilities of a special and privileged strategic partnership,” the statement read. He also highlighted that ties have deepened following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two visits to Russia in 2024—in July for the bilateral summit and in October for the BRICS Summit in Kazan.

President Putin expressed optimism about the potential of Indo-Russian collaboration, citing mutual trust as a cornerstone of their partnership. The leaders discussed avenues to expand this relationship, particularly in defence and industrial cooperation.

‘Make in India’ and Military Cooperation
A key topic during the meeting was enhancing Russian participation in India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Singh invited Russian industries to collaborate in developing India’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. “India is committed to extending the capabilities of its domestic defence industry across various domains,” Singh stated.

Russian Defence Minister Belousov reiterated the importance of operationalizing the Military Technical Cooperation agreement for 2021-31, which aims to bolster joint research, development, production, and after-sales support for military equipment. He assured Singh of Russia’s commitment to facilitating this partnership and congratulated him on the commissioning of INS Tushil, a guided-missile frigate manufactured in Russia and inducted into the Indian Navy.

Singh also highlighted India’s commitment to increasing defence exports and fostering innovation through partnerships with global allies like Russia. “The synergy between India and Russia can play a transformative role in the global defence industry landscape,” he noted.

Accelerating S-400 Deliveries
During his discussions with Belousov, Singh stressed the importance of expediting the supply of the remaining two units of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems to India. These systems are a critical component of India’s air defence and signify the depth of India-Russia military cooperation.

Belousov assured Singh of Russia’s dedication to fulfilling its commitments, adding that the IRIGC-M&MTC’s institutional framework continues to play a pivotal role in advancing bilateral defense relations. Both ministers agreed on the necessity of maintaining regular communication to ensure the smooth execution of existing agreements and projects.

India and Russia’s military and technical collaboration dates back decades, with the IRIGC-M&MTC—established in 2000—at the helm of this relationship. The annual meeting alternates between Russia and India, enabling both nations to review ongoing projects and discuss future initiatives. The 20th session was held in New Delhi in December 2021.

Singh invited Belousov to co-chair the 22nd session of the IRIGC-M&MTC in India next year, and the invitation was accepted. Both nations expressed optimism about the prospect of deeper collaborations, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, space technology, and advanced weapon systems.

Before his official meetings, Singh paid tribute to Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during World War II by laying a wreath at ‘The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow. He also inspected the Guard of Honour at the Russian Defence Ministry.

On Monday, Singh attended the commissioning of a Russian-manufactured guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, into the Indian Navy at the coastal city of Kaliningrad
Singh’s visit to Moscow marks another milestone in the robust Indo-Russian partnership. 

As both nations navigate a complex global geopolitical landscape, their focus on mutual trust and industrial collaboration serves as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of their relationship. With Putin’s scheduled visit to India next year, the momentum in bilateral ties is set to continue, promising significant advancements in defense, trade, and strategic cooperation.

With a history of collaboration and a shared vision for the future, the India-Russia partnership remains a cornerstone of stability and growth in the region. Singh’s engagements in Moscow not only reaffirmed this partnership but also paved the way for a deeper, more comprehensive alliance in the years to come.