NEW DELHI: India on Thursday despatched out a robust sign concerning the continuity of its partnership with Russia, with protection minister Rajnath Singh emphasizing that bilateral protection cooperation stays regular “regardless of the geopolitical uncertainty.” His remarks got here on the twenty second India-Russia Inter-Governmental Fee on Army & Army Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) assembly in New Delhi, held simply hours earlier than Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for the twenty third Annual Summit.
Singh described Russia as a “time-tested, particular privileged, and strategic companion” and famous that protection ties have grown constantly for the reason that signing of the 2000 Declaration of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership. “I thanks very a lot for coming all the best way to India to debate and promote bilateral protection cooperation between our international locations… It’s good that regardless of the geopolitical uncertainty, our India-Russia protection cooperation is transferring at a wholesome tempo,” he stated, as quoted by ANI.He highlighted “outcome-oriented exchanges” between navy personnel and consultants and in addition pointed to wider financial engagement.“We welcome the profitable holding of the twenty sixth assembly of the India-Russia Working Group on Commerce and Financial Cooperation in Moscow final month, and the graduation of negotiations for a Free Commerce Settlement with the Russia-led Eurasian Financial Union,” Singh stated. He added, “We had been additionally eagerly awaiting the go to of His Excellency, Vladimir Putin… which has been fulfilled immediately.”
Russia’s message on the protection fee assembly
Russian protection minister Andrei Belousov, co-chairing the assembly with Singh, echoed the sentiment of long-standing partnership.Belousov additionally famous the extent of navy cooperation. “Russia actively cooperates in full scale with India in formation of the brand new outlook of the Military, Air Power, and the Navy. And utilizing this chance, let me congratulate you, the command, and all Indian sailors with the Nationwide Navy Day,” he stated.On the work of the joint fee, he added, “Distinguished Minister, the intergovernmental fee on navy and military-technical cooperation brings the large dedication in participating in taking efficient and mutually helpful selections within the navy area.”
Setting the stage for PM Modi-Putin summit
Earlier within the day, Singh and Belousov laid a wreath on the Nationwide Warfare Memorial, and the Russian minister inspected the Tri-Service Guard of Honour. Belousov was acquired at Air Power Station Palam by Minister of State for Protection Sanjay Seth, with Chief of Protection Workers Basic Anil Chauhan additionally current.Russian President Vladimir Putin is about to reach in India on Thursday night for his first go to in 4 years, starting the journey with a non-public dinner hosted by PM Modi. The 2 leaders have spoken by telephone 5 instances in 2024 and final met in particular person on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin.Putin’s arrival marks his first journey to India since 2021 and his first for the reason that Ukraine battle started in 2022.His return to New Delhi comes because the India–Russia partnership continues to regulate to shifting world dynamics, balancing long-standing protection ties with cooperation in expertise, vitality transition, training, and workforce mobility.