Russia offers support for India’s defence self-reliance at key bilateral meet

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov on Thursday co-chaired the 22nd session of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation in the national capital. Both sides affirmed that bilateral defence ties remain anchored in deep trust, shared principles, and mutual respect.

The meeting, held at the Manekshaw Centre, saw both sides explore new avenues of collaboration in niche defence technologies, with Russia expressing readiness to support India’s push towards self-reliance in defence production, ahead of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin.

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Singh voiced the Government of India’s determination to build the capacity of its indigenous defence industry for both local production and exports under the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. He also stressed new opportunities to enhance collaboration between the two countries in niche technologies.

The Russian Defence Minister emphasised the deepening relationship between the two countries, which is based on mutual trust. He highlighted that both countries are united by many years of friendship and strategic cooperation. He stated that the Russian Defence Industry is ready to support India towards becoming self-reliant in defence production. Minister Belousov also invited Rajnath Singh to visit Russia to co-chair the 23rd session of IRIC-M&MTC in 2026.

At the end, the two Ministers signed the protocol of the 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC meeting, highlighting the ongoing and prospective areas of cooperation.

Before the meeting, Singh and the Russian Defence Minister laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid respects to the brave Indians who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. The visiting dignitary also inspected the Ceremonial Tri-service Guard of Honour.

The meeting was also attended by the chiefs of the three services-General Upender Dwivedi, Air Marshal AP Singh, and Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, along with the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.