The Indian Army recently met with Russian military leaders in St. Petersbur to boost their defense ties. They talked about working together on advanced technologies like drones, anti-drone systems, electronic warfare, and military supplies. As part of the meeting, Indian officials also visited Russia's Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy
-1751123634520_d.png "India deepens defence ties with Russia, participates in key SCO security talks")
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. File Pic.
The Indian Army has further strengthened its relationship with the Russian Land Forces following the 4th Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) Sub Working Group (Land) meeting held in St. Petersburg, Russia, from June 25 to 27, reported news agency ANI.
The discussions between the two armies primarily focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. This included exploring exchanges in niche technologies such as drones, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), electronic warfare, and operational logistics equipment.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army also confirmed that the event featured visits to the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy and the 56th Guards District Training Centre in the Leningradsky Military District.
Further bolstering bilateral defence engagement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China, reported ANI.
This significant meeting occurred shortly after Singh’s arrival at the venue on Thursday, where he was welcomed by Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun. Upon his arrival, Singh joined Admiral Dong and other participating leaders for a group photograph before the official proceedings began. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also arrived at the venue after Singh.
According to ANI, the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting, taking place from 25 to 26 June, brings together member states to discuss crucial regional and global security issues. Key topics of discussion are expected to include international and regional peace and security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and enhanced collaboration among the defence ministries of SCO member states.
However, in a press release, the Ministry of Defence stated, "The Defence Ministry is expected to highlight India’s continued commitment to the principles and mandate of the SCO, outline India’s vision towards achieving greater international peace and security, call for joint and consistent efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism in the region, and stress the need for greater trade, economic cooperation and connectivity within the SCO. He will also hold bilateral meetings with the Defence Ministers of some participating countries, including China and Russia, on the sidelines of the meeting."
The Ministry further noted that India places particular importance on the SCO as a platform for promoting multilateralism and cooperation across politics, security, economy, and people-to-people ties within the region.
“SCO pursues its policy based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity of nations, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual respect, understanding and equality of all member states,” the Ministry added.
The SCO is an intergovernmental organisation established in 2001. India became a full member in 2017 and held the rotating chairmanship in 2023. Its member countries include India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. China has assumed the chair of the SCO for 2025, operating under the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.”
(With inputs from ANI)
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