Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov, discussed vital aspects of their long-standing defence partnership, emphasising their shared commitment to advancing mutual security and defence interests.
While Belousov commended the robust and evolving defence cooperation between Russia and India, particularly within multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting, Singh spotlighted New Delhi's decision to deepen its defence cooperation with Moscow despite global pressures.
The talks between the two defence chiefs were highly significant, noting that several key issues were likely discussed, including the
commissioning of INS Tushil in Kaliningrad, retired Major General
Shashi Bhushan Asthana told
Sputnik India.
In addition to India's commissioning of the upgraded Krivak-III class frigate, INS Tushil, discussions likely centred on plans to construct another warship, INS Tamal, for the Indian Navy, Indian Navy veteran Seshadri Vasan emphasised in a conversation with Sputnik India.
He noted that delays in technology transfers from Western countries, such as the F-414 engine for the Tejas aircraft, send a clear message to the West: India has alternative sources for its defence requirements, and that includes Russia.
“With delays in acquiring critical components like the F-414 engine for the Tejas aircraft, India is sending a clear signal to the West: if technology transfers are delayed or withheld, there are alternative sources available. This meeting reinforces India’s strategy to diversify its defence acquisitions and ensures that India’s military needs are met, irrespective of external pressures,” Vasan said.
Vasan observed that both countries have identified methods to collaborate despite the sanctions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly within the energy sector. Furthermore, they will continue to seek opportunities to navigate the challenges posed by sanctions in other areas.
Asthana emphasised the enduring defence partnership between India and Russia, noting that after India's independence, the then USSR was among the few countries prepared to share vital defence technology at a time when India lacked indigenous defence production capabilities.