New Delhi: The chief of the Army staff, General Dhiraj Seth, met the Russian deputy defence minister, General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, at the ministry of defence in Moscow during his ongoing official visit to Russia. The two sides discussed joint capability development, professional military exchanges and ways to expand military-to-military engagement between the Indian and Russian armed forces.
The meeting comes as India and Russia continue to strengthen their longstanding defence partnership, with greater attention on capability development and closer institutional cooperation. The discussions also underline the importance of sustained engagement between the two militaries amid an evolving regional security environment.
Gen Seth also called on India’s ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, and discussed India-Russia bilateral cooperation. The talks also covered measures to further strengthen defence ties between the two countries.
The Army chief is on a three-day official visit to Russia from September 16 to 18, during which he is holding a series of engagements with senior Russian defence officials and military institutions. The visit is aimed at providing opportunities for discussions on contemporary military developments, professional military cooperation and training.
Earlier during the visit, Gen Seth held talks with Russian forces deputy commander in chief Colonel General Alexander Matovnikov at the main command of the Russian forces, according to RNA Media. The two sides discussed military cooperation and projects aimed at enhancing the combat readiness of the armed forces of India and Russia.
Matovnikov highlighted the strategic partnership between India and Russia and the two countries’ approach towards regional security issues and a multipolar world order. The Russian side also expressed readiness to further deepen defence and military cooperation with India.
Gen Seth also paid tribute to fallen Russian soldiers at Moscow’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by laying a wreath. His engagements with Russian military institutions are expected to provide further avenues for professional exchanges and discussions on military developments and training.
The latest engagements reflect the continuing focus on strengthening the military-to-military dimension of the India-Russia defence relationship. Joint capability development, professional exchanges and closer institutional interaction remain important areas as both countries seek to expand cooperation in the defence sector.