New Delhi, Aug 2026 : India and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual trust and expanding defence industrial and technological cooperation as the two countries hold the fifth meeting of the India-Russia Army Land System Sub-Group (ALSSG) in New Delhi.
The four-day meeting, being held from August 4 to 7, is taking place under the framework of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). The discussions are aimed at further consolidating the longstanding defence partnership between the two countries.
The Indian delegation is being led by Lt Gen Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustainment), while the Russian delegation is headed by Maj Gen Tufekchi Aleksandr, Deputy Head of the Main Armoured Directorate in Russia’s Ministry of Defence.
The Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) said on X that both sides had reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing mutual trust and advancing cooperation in defence industry and technology.
The ALSSG meeting assumes significance as India and Russia continue to explore ways to expand defence cooperation, including military equipment, technology, industrial collaboration and capabilities required by the armed forces.
The latest engagement also comes against the backdrop of broader cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow on security and counter-terrorism issues.
Last month, India and Russia held the 14th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism in New Delhi. During the meeting, the two sides shared their experiences in combating terrorism and discussed measures to address emerging security challenges.
The discussions covered violent extremism, radicalisation, terror financing and the misuse of emerging technologies and digital financial systems for terrorist activities.
The July 8 meeting was co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Dmitry Lyubinsky, Russia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two sides reviewed current and emerging terrorist threats at both global and regional levels.
India and Russia also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation through bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, BRICS, Eurasian Group (EAG) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Both countries strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They also condemned the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the November 10, 2025 terror incident near the Red Fort in New Delhi.
The two sides called for coordinated international action against terrorist organisations and individuals, including those designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, as well as their proxy groups and affiliates.
The twin engagements underline the breadth of India-Russia strategic cooperation, spanning defence technology, military systems and counter-terrorism, while both sides continue efforts to deepen their longstanding security partnership.
Team Maverick
