• Source:JND
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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has started his three-day visit to Russia, where he is expected to discuss Russia with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the visit, Singh is also scheduled to attend the commissioning of the Russian-made stealth warship INS Tushil into the Indian Navy.

According to the Indian Embassy in Moscow, the Defence Minister arrived in the Russian capital on Sunday evening, where he was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the Indian Embassy in Moscow wrote, “During the visit, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri will call on President Putin and co-chair the IRIGC M&MTC meeting with his Russian counterpart, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov. He will also take part in the commissioning ceremony of INS Tushil and interact with the Indian community.”

Rajnath Singh’s visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia in October. PM Modi attended the 22nd India-Russia Summit during his visit and also participated in the two-day BRICS Summit in Kazan,

Rajnath Singh Russia Visit: What's On Agenda

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) alongside his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov in Moscow today (December 9). 

The discussions will focus on strengthening defence ties, particularly military-to-military and industrial cooperation. Both leaders are expected to review the wide-ranging relations between the two nations in the defence sector and exchange views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest.

In addition to reviewing ongoing defence projects, discussions will primarily focus on the delivery of the remaining two units of the Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system, considered one of the most advanced in the world.

India finalized a USD 5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for the procurement of five S-400 units.

Singh will also pay tribute to Soviet soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow today, followed by an interaction with the Indian community.