Russia’s Defence Minister Arrives in New Delhi for Key Military Talks with India

New Delhi, Dec 4: Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in the national capital on Thursday to co-chair the 22nd India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) ministerial meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Belousov was received at the airport by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, while Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan was also present to welcome the visiting dignitary. The high-level ministerial meeting is scheduled to take place later in the day at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the two defence ministers will hold extensive discussions to review the multi-faceted defence partnership between India and Russia, covering military cooperation as well as military-technical collaboration. The talks will also include an exchange of views on key regional and global security issues of mutual concern.

As part of his official visit, Belousov will also lay a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying tribute to Indian soldiers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. The gesture reflects the longstanding military camaraderie and respect between the two nations.

Defence cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of the India–Russia strategic partnership. The two countries operate under a special 10-year agreement on military-technical cooperation for the period 2021–2031, signed in New Delhi on December 6, 2021. This framework focuses on joint research, development, production, and after-sales support for advanced weapons and defence platforms.

Over the years, the bilateral defence relationship has evolved from a traditional buyer-seller arrangement into a robust model of joint development and production of high-end military technologies. Russia continues to be a key supplier of defence equipment, engines, spare parts, and critical components to India. Several major platforms are currently assembled or manufactured domestically under this partnership, including the T-90 battle tanks and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

The two sides are also actively exploring further avenues for co-development and co-production, including export-oriented projects such as the globally acclaimed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system.

Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had visited Russia in December 2024, where he co-chaired the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC meeting and participated in the commissioning of the Indian Navy’s frigate INS Tushil at Kaliningrad. More recently, on July 1, INS Tamal, India’s latest stealth multi-role frigate, was also commissioned at Kaliningrad.

Additionally, the 5th Meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation under the IRIGC-M&MTC framework was held in New Delhi on October 28–29, 2025, further strengthening institutional engagement between the two defence establishments.

Belousov’s visit is expected to further deepen strategic trust and operational cooperation between India and Russia at a time of shifting global security dynamics.

Team Maverick.