Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on an important visit to the Russian Federation from December 8 to 10. During this trip, he will co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MT) alongside Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov. This significant meeting, taking place in Moscow on December 10, aims to assess and strengthen the wide-ranging defense relations between India and Russia, particularly in areas of military cooperation and industrial partnerships.
The agenda for this high-level discussion includes a comprehensive review of collaborative projects and exchanges between the two nations, focusing on military and technical cooperation. Furthermore, the two ministers are scheduled to deliberate on various current regional and global issues that hold mutual interest.
Among the highlights of Singh’s visit will be the commissioning of the Indian Navy’s latest addition, the multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate ‘INS Tushil.’ This event is scheduled for December 9 at the Yantra Shipyard in Kaliningrad, showcasing India’s naval capabilities. Notably, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi will accompany Singh for this significant ceremony, underscoring the importance of maritime collaboration and advancements in defense technology.
In a related development, it has been announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to visit India next year for the annual summit between the two countries. The specific dates for this summit will be determined through diplomatic channels, as shared by a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The last annual summit was held in Moscow, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with President Putin.
The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated the ongoing arrangement for annual summits between India and Russia, highlighting the historical importance of these meetings in fostering a robust partnership. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov further disclosed that President Putin has received an official invitation from Prime Minister Modi, with discussions aimed at scheduling the visit in early 2025. As both nations continue to navigate the complexities of global geopolitics, Singh’s upcoming trip represents a crucial step in reinforcing historic ties and collaborative efforts in defense and security.
