India, Russia reaffirm deepening defence partnership

New Delhi, Dec 4: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov on Thursday co-chaired the 22nd session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, reaffirming the strategic depth and continuity of one of India’s oldest defence partnerships.

The meeting comes ahead of the 23rd Annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin.

Both ministers reiterated that India-Russia defence cooperation is anchored in “deep mutual trust, shared principles and respect.”

Singh highlighted India’s push to expand indigenous defence manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, emphasising capacity-building not only for domestic needs but also for exports.

He noted growing opportunities for joint work in niche and emerging defence technologies.

Belousov underlined the “long years of friendship and strategic cooperation,” saying that Russia remained committed to supporting India’s quest for self-reliance.

He said the Russian defence industry stood ready to continue assisting India in developing and producing advanced systems.

He also invited Singh to Russia in 2026 to co-chair the 23rd IRIGC-M&MTC session.

At the conclusion of the talks, the two ministers signed the protocol of the 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC, outlining current engagements and future avenues of cooperation.

India and Russia share one of the world’s longest-standing and most comprehensive military-technical partnerships.

What began as a buyer-seller relationship has, over decades, evolved into joint research, development and production of advanced systems.

Russia remains a major supplier of defence equipment, engines, spares, and components to India. Several flagship platforms, including T-90 tanks and Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, are assembled or produced in India with Russian collaboration.

In recent years, the two countries have explored expanded co-production, including systems with export potential.

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, jointly developed by both sides, has emerged as a leading example of such cooperation.

Singh’s visit to Russia in December 2024 for the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC laid the foundation for ongoing cooperation.

During that trip, he also participated in the commissioning of the frigate INS Tushil at Kaliningrad.

More recently, on July 1, 2025, Russia commissioned INS Tamal, the latest stealth multi-role frigate built for the Indian Navy.

Before the commission meeting, Singh and Minister Belousov laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying homage to India’s fallen soldiers.

The Russian minister also inspected a ceremonial tri-service guard of honour.

With the signing of the latest protocol and an expanding slate of joint activities, the 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC further consolidates the India-Russia defence partnership as both nations prepare for the high-level summit later this week.