Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to undertake a significant three-day visit to Russia, beginning on December 8, 2024. This trip aims to witness the commissioning of a state-of-the-art stealth warship into the Indian Navy and to engage in high-level discussions with his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov. Central to their talks will be the expansion of bilateral cooperation concerning the co-production of military hardware.
On December 9, 2024, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tushil, a Russian-manufactured multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, will be officially commissioned in the strategic coastal city of Kaliningrad. The INS Tushil is considered one of the most technologically advanced frigates in the world and is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where increased Chinese naval activities have been observed.
Accompanying Defence Minister Singh at the commissioning ceremony will be Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi. The visit coincides with a broader context of deepening defence ties between India and Russia, as highlighted by earlier discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Modi’s visit to Moscow five months prior.
During his stay, Singh and Belousov are scheduled to co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M& MTC) in Moscow on December 10, 2024. This forum aims to review the comprehensive scope of military relations, including military-to-military exchanges and industrial collaboration.
The discussions are anticipated to address several key issues including the co-production of military hardware, with a focus on enhancing mutual capabilities. Furthermore, both ministers will engage in dialogue regarding contemporary regional and global concerns that are of shared interest.
As part of his visit, Singh will honor the legacy of the Soviet soldiers who fell during World War II by paying respects at “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in Moscow. Additionally, he is expected to meet with members of the Indian community residing in Russia, fostering connections and the diaspora’s engagement with homeland initiatives.
This trip underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its defence framework and its strategic partnerships, particularly in the context of evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
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