Rajnath, his Russian counterpart Belousov chair defence meet, reaffirm India-Russia strategic partnership

India and Russia on Thursday reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership during the 22nd India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation, co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov.

Addressing the event, Singh said, “…We welcome the successful holding of the 26th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Moscow last month, and the commencement of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union.”

#WATCH | Delhi: At the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "...We welcome the successful holding of the 26th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Trade and… pic.twitter.com/WRNjhN4uCt

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

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He also highlighted the significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in India for the 23rd Annual Summit.

“We were eagerly awaiting the visit of His Excellency Vladimir Putin, which has been fulfilled today. I believe this Leaders’ Summit will further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our two countries,” Singh added.

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Belousov, expressing appreciation for India’s hospitality, underscored the “solid, time-proven friendship” between the two nations, rooted in “mutual respect and deep traditions.”

He described the India–Russia relationship as strategically vital for regional and global stability.

“Our partnership is a key factor for balance in the South Asian region and global security. Russia cooperates fully with India in shaping the new outlook of its Army, Air Force and Navy,” he said, extending greetings to India on Navy Day.

Belousov added that the Inter-Governmental Commission continues to play a crucial role in driving “effective and mutually beneficial decisions” in the military domain.

“Today, we sum up its work and define new tasks for the future,” he added.

The meeting comes amid renewed momentum in bilateral defence, economic and strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow.

With inputs from agencies