Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Moscow for an official visit aimed at strengthening India-Russia defence cooperation. The trip includes high-profile talks, military commission meetings, and the commissioning of a stealth warship for the Indian Navy.
Warm Welcome in Moscow
Upon his arrival late Sunday night, Singh was welcomed by Indian Ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Kumar and Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin. The Indian Embassy in Moscow shared updates on the visit, highlighting its significance.
Agenda Highlights
Rajnath Singh’s packed itinerary includes:
- Talks with Vladimir Putin: Singh will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss defence collaboration and strategic partnerships.
- Military Commission Meeting: Singh will co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC M&MTC) with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
- Commissioning of INS Tushil: The Defence Minister will oversee the induction of the multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate INS Tushil into the Indian Navy.
- Tribute to WWII Soldiers: Singh will pay homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, commemorating Soviet soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Second World War.
- Engagement with the Indian Community: Singh will interact with Indian nationals residing in Russia.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
The visit underscores the deep defence cooperation between India and Russia, in line with their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” Singh emphasized the importance of the trip in a post on X, stating his commitment to bolstering military ties and celebrating the commissioning of INS Tushil.
INS Tushil: A Boost for Indian Naval Capabilities
The commissioning of INS Tushil, a stealth-guided missile frigate, marks a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet. The warship enhances India’s maritime defence capabilities and reflects the growing synergy between India and Russia in advanced military technology.
A Vision for Deeper Defence Cooperation
Rajnath Singh’s visit is poised to further cement India-Russia ties, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional stability and defence collaboration. The engagements aim to pave the way for robust partnerships in military and technical fields.
