General Dhiraj Seth, the Chief of Army Staff of India, has completed a three-day official trip to Russia, aimed at strengthening defence ties between the two nations. The visit was officially concluded on Friday, and during this time, General Seth engaged in discussions with senior military leaders and visited several significant military establishments.

Indian military officials confirmed that this visit focused on various aspects such as capability development, training exchanges, artillery modernisation, and the sharing of operational experiences.

Meetings with Russian Defence Leadership

In Moscow, General Seth held discussions with General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, the Deputy Minister of Defence for the Russian Federation. They explored opportunities for joint capability development and professional military exchanges. According to officials, the talks were centred around expanding military-to-military engagement, with a particular emphasis on training and sharing professional experiences between both armies.

At the headquarters of the Russian Land Forces, General Seth exchanged insights on modern military developments. The discussions included strategies to deepen the collaboration between Indian and Russian armed forces. It is a pivotal for enhancing operational efficiency and readiness.

Whilst in St Petersburg, General Seth visited the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy. He interacted with the faculty concerning training methodologies and advancements in artillery. One of the highlights of his visit included the ceremonial honour of firing a traditional cannon at the historic Peter and Paul Fortress. It underscores the rich military heritage of the location.

India-Russia Defence Cooperation

The importance of this visit is further emphasised by the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It occurred on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi. Their discussions addressed various facets of bilateral cooperation, spanning political, economic, defence, energy, and space sectors. The meeting exemplified the ongoing commitment to enhancing relations and ensuring mutual benefits in these areas.

India and Russia have evolved their defence collaboration beyond mere procurement of equipment, delving into joint production and technological cooperation. A notable example is the BrahMos missile project, which showcases their ability to work together in advancing military capabilities. Furthermore, both nations regularly conduct military exercises, with the Indra series being a prominent part of this engagement since its inception in 2003.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia has remained a crucial supplier for India’s arms imports. It accounts for 40 per cent during the period of 2021 to 2025, thereby consolidating its position as the largest supplier for India within this timeframe. This impressive statistic underscores the deep-rooted nature of their defence ties.

The successful completion of General Seth’s visit is viewed as a reinforcement of the enduring trust between India and Russia. Officials indicated that it highlights both nations’ steadfast dedication to maintaining military diplomacy, fostering institutional exchanges, and pursuing mutually beneficial professional cooperation. The visit is anticipated to lay a solid foundation for future collaborative efforts in defence and security.

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