Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Russia from December 8 to 10, amidst a complex geopolitical landscape, reiterates the ongoing strategic partnership between India and Russia in defense and technology.
So, what’s on the Minister’s agenda?
Commissioning of INS Tushil
Mr. Rajnath Singh’s itinerary includes visiting Yantra Shipyard, Kaliningrad, where he will attend the commissioning of INS Tushil, the Indian Navy’s new multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate.
The frigate, one of the most technologically advanced of its kind, is expected to bolster India’s naval capabilities.
Visit to Moscow
Following the commissioning ceremony, the Defense Minister will travel to Moscow to co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) alongside Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov.
The meeting will review the full spectrum of defense relations, from military-to-military cooperation to industrial partnerships.
The Defense Minister will discuss expediting the delivery of critical defense systems like the S-400 Triumf, which have faced delays.
Mr. Singh will also highlight the need to ensure that India’s defense requirements are met in a timely manner amidst global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
As India is keen on advancing its ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defense sector, the discussions are expected to delve into possibilities for joint production and technology transfer, areas where Russia has traditionally been a key partner for India.
Apart from the technical and strategic discussions, Minister Rajnath Singh will pay tribute to Moscow’s ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,’ honoring the Soviet war heroes of World War II.
Additionally, he is slated to engage with the Indian community in Russia, strengthening cultural ties.
The Defense Minister’s visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagement in Russia earlier this year and precedes President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated visit to India in early 2025, indicating a continuous dialogue at the highest levels. With both nations navigating the complexities of international relations, Mr. Singh’s visit reaffirms the resilience and depth of the India-Russia defense partnership.
