Rajnath Singh Meets Putin, Reaffirms Strong Defence Ties

By A Staff Reporter

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 10, 2024, on the sidelines of the 21st session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). The meeting marked another significant chapter in the enduring defence and strategic partnership between the two countries.

Minister Singh conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Putin and engaged in discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties. Both leaders recognized the immense potential of the partnership and expressed their commitment to joint efforts in advancing military and technical cooperation.

Singh emphasized the deep historical ties between the nations, stating, "Friendship between our countries is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean." He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Russia, highlighting that India has consistently stood by its Russian counterparts and will continue to do so in the future.

The talks also underscored the shared interests of both nations in enhancing defence capabilities, focusing on collaborative projects, military exchanges, and strategic cooperation in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

India and Russia have maintained a strong defence relationship for decades, with Russia being a key supplier of military hardware and technology to India. The ongoing dialogue between the two leaders further solidified their mutual commitment to advancing bilateral defence ties.

The Ministry of Defence issued a statement following the meeting, highlighting the strategic importance of the India-Russia defence partnership and the long-term benefits it holds for both nations.