Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 21st meeting of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov in Moscow on Tuesday. In a social media post, the Defence Minister termed the meeting as productive. He said they reviewed the full range of bilateral defence ties, and discussed ways to deepen cooperation between both the countries. Mr Singh said they are committed to further strengthen India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
Defence Minister emphasised that the India-Russia relationship is very strong, and has lived up to the responsibilities of a special and privileged strategic partnership. He added that ties have further strengthened with the recent exchanges including two visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia during this year.
Mr Singh voiced government’s determination to extend the capabilities of its domestic defence industry across domains and industrial collaboration. He stressed on new opportunities for enhancing participation of Russian industries in the ‘Make in India’ projects. He reiterated India’s commitment towards Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with Russia.
The Russian Defence Minister emphasised on deepening relationship between both the countries which is based on mutual trust. He stated that the operationalisation of Military Technical Cooperation agreement for 2021-31 will give necessary impetus to ‘Make in India’.
On the occasion, the two Ministers signed the protocol of the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC meeting highlighting the ongoing and prospective areas of cooperation.
Defence Minister also held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier, Defence Minister laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.
Yesterday, Indian Navy’s latest stealth missile frigate INS Tushil was commissioned at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of the Defence Minister. Mr Singh described the warship as a proud testament to India’s growing maritime might and a significant milestone in the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
