Army chief General Dhiraj Seth commenced a three-day official visit to Russia on Wednesday. The primary focus of this trip is to bolster the defence partnership and enhance military-to-military cooperation between India and Russia. This visit underscores the ongoing commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in the defence sector.
During the visit, he will receive a ceremonial Guard of Honour and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers at ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow. Seth will visit the National Defence Control Centre in Moscow and interact with senior officials of the Russian defence ministry, including deputy defence minister Vasily Sergeyevich Osmakov, who oversees defence industry and procurement. “The engagements will provide an opportunity to exchange perspectives on contemporary military developments and avenues for enhancing defence cooperation. The visit reflects the importance attached by both countries to sustained military diplomacy and army-to-army engagement,” the army added.
He will hold discussions with Colonel General Andrei Nikolayevich Mordvichev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces, on a range of issues of mutual interest, including professional military cooperation and training, the army said in a statement.
Russia was the top supplier of military hardware to India during 2021-25, according to a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) report published in March. The largest share of Indian arms imports during 2021-25 came from Russia, at 40%, it said.
