Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets his Russian counterpart in New Delhi.
India-Russia Defence Cooperation: New Delhi, India – December 4, 2025: In a pivotal step towards reinforcing the robust defence partnership between India and Russia, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart, Mr. Andrei Belousov, co-chaired the 22nd session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) in New Delhi on December 4, 2025. The meeting, held at the iconic Manekshaw Centre, was a platform for both nations to explore new avenues for collaboration and to solidify their long-standing defence ties.
This high-level meeting, which comes just ahead of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, underlined the deep-rooted and strategic nature of the India-Russia relationship, built on mutual trust, shared principles, and respect for each other’s sovereignty. The session marks yet another milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster the defence and military technical cooperation between the two nations.
A Strong Foundation of Trust and Mutual Respect
Both Defence Ministers began the meeting by emphasising the enduring bond between India and Russia, which has been nurtured over several decades. The India-Russia partnership in defence is grounded in a shared history of cooperation and mutual respect, spanning arms deals, joint military exercises, and technology transfers. As global security dynamics continue to evolve, both countries have reiterated their commitment to deepening this relationship, with a particular focus on enhancing self-reliance in defence production.
Rajnath Singh noted that the Government of India is fully committed to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and is actively working towards building indigenous defence capabilities to meet the demands of the Armed Forces while also catering to the global defence market. “We are looking at new opportunities to enhance our collaboration with Russia, particularly in niche defence technologies, which will significantly contribute to India’s aspirations to become self-reliant in defence production,” Singh remarked.
His emphasis on advancing cooperation in emerging and advanced technological domains like artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and advanced materials reflects India’s ambition to be at the forefront of next-generation military technology. India has already made considerable strides in areas such as missile technology, aviation, and naval platforms, and the deepening of ties with Russia is expected to further accelerate progress in these sectors.
Russian Defence Minister.
Russia’s Support for India’s Self-Reliance in Defence Production
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov expressed a strong commitment to India’s self-reliance goals, noting that Russia’s defence industry is ready to support India in its journey towards indigenous defence production. “The relationship between our countries is built on decades of friendship and strategic cooperation, and Russia stands ready to assist India in its efforts to achieve Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector,” Belousov said.
He also highlighted the significant role of Russia in India’s defence modernisation, especially in areas such as air defence systems, advanced fighter jets, and naval platforms. The ongoing and future projects between both nations are expected to focus on enhancing technology transfers, joint research and development, and co-production of defence equipment. Belousov also extended an invitation to Rajnath Singh to visit Russia in 2026 to co-chair the 23rd session of the IRIGC-M&MTC, indicating the growing depth of the strategic dialogue between the two nations.
Enhancing Technological Cooperation and Joint Development
The discussion between the two ministers also delved into the potential for joint development of advanced defence systems, as well as ways to streamline the transfer of technologies to India. This would allow India to not only meet its own military needs but also become a hub for the export of cutting-edge defence equipment. Both countries discussed ways to tap into niche defence technologies, such as cyber defence, electronic warfare, and satellite-based surveillance systems, which are rapidly becoming critical components of modern warfare.
Singh stressed the importance of further collaboration on the development of advanced fighter aircraft, air defence systems, and next-generation missile technologies, all of which are key priorities for India’s defence modernisation. “The Indian Armed Forces require the best equipment to maintain operational superiority, and our relationship with Russia has been pivotal in helping us meet these requirements,” Singh noted.
The ministers also expressed their commitment to expanding joint military training exercises and enhancing cooperation in the maritime and aerospace domains. The growing complexity of global security challenges, including cybersecurity threats, has highlighted the need for both countries to intensify cooperation in these strategic areas.
Protocol Signing and Next Steps
At the conclusion of the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister Andrei Belousov signed the protocol for the 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC meeting, outlining the key areas of ongoing and future cooperation. These include expanding the scope of joint development projects, increasing the exchange of technical knowledge, and enhancing the supply of military hardware and systems. The protocol serves as a roadmap for the continued strengthening of military-to-military ties between India and Russia.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes of previous collaborations and discuss challenges to be addressed moving forward. Both sides reiterated the importance of a smooth and expedited process for technology transfers, with an emphasis on ensuring that these technologies are not only cutting-edge but also suited to the specific operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces.
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Paying Tribute to the Bravehearts
Before the formal proceedings, both Defence Ministers paid their respects at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, laying wreaths to honour the brave Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. This gesture underscored the deep respect both countries share for the sacrifices made by their respective armed forces. Following the tribute, the visiting Russian Defence Minister was given a ceremonial Tri-service Guard of Honour.
A Vision for Future Cooperation
As India continues its journey towards becoming a global leader in defence production, the cooperation between India and Russia stands as a cornerstone of this ambitious goal. The IRIGC-M&MTC meeting highlighted not only the historical strength of the bilateral defence relationship but also the shared vision of both countries to advance defence technology, enhance self-reliance, and ensure regional security.
With a focus on niche technologies, joint research, and co-production, the future of India-Russia defence ties looks promising. As both countries prepare for the upcoming Annual Summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, the discussions held in New Delhi are likely to lay the foundation for even greater cooperation in the coming years. The strategic partnership between India and Russia continues to evolve, ensuring that both nations remain equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century in a rapidly changing global security landscape.
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