The 22nd meeting of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation was held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
Upon welcoming the Russian delegation, Rajnath Singh said, “Namaskar to the Defence Minister of Russia, Andrei Belousov, and the Russian delegation. It is a matter of pride for me to host you all here. I thank you for coming to discuss and strengthen our bilateral defence cooperation.” He emphasised the strength of the partnership, describing Russia as a “time-tested, special, privileged and strategic partner of India.” Singh pointed out that defence cooperation has grown considerably since the 2000 India–Russia Strategic Partnership declaration, mentioning the “extensive interactions” between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China in June 2025 as part of their regular engagement.
Singh also noted positive developments in economic ties, specifically recognizing the successful 26th meeting of the India–Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Moscow the previous month and the commencement of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union. He stated, “We had eagerly awaited the visit of President Vladimir Putin to India for the 23rd India Annual Summit, and that awaited moment has now arrived.”
In his remarks, Minister Belousov started with a “Namaste” and thanked India for its hospitality. He highlighted the “strong, time-tested friendship” between the nations, which he said is grounded in deep cultural traditions. Acknowledging the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, he thanked the Indian delegation for participating in the commemorative events in Moscow earlier in the year.
Referring to India as a “key partner for South Asian stability and global security,” Belousov confirmed that Russia is continuing its close collaboration with India on the modernization of the Army, Air Force, and Navy. He also offered greetings for National Navy Day. Belousov concluded by noting that the intergovernmental commission demonstrates the mutual commitment to making effective and beneficial decisions, stating, “Today, we review its achievements and set new goals for the future.”
🇮🇳Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and 🇷🇺Defence Minister of Russia Andrei Belousov lay wreath at the National War Memorial.
The Russian Defence Minister will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Gov Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting. https://t.co/u7L6aSngVT pic.twitter.com/C84xOlxzf7
— Bhakt Prahlad🚩 (@RakeshKishore_l) December 4, 2025
