The 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting is slated to bring together Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov, in the national capital today.
During the meeting which is slated to begin at 5.00 pm today, the two leaders will review the entire range of multi-faceted relations between the two countries in the field of defence, including Military and Military Technical Cooperation. They will also exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest, a statement from the Ministry of Defence stated.
The Russian Defence Minister will also lay a wreath at the National War Memorial and pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
As reported earlier, the ‘game changer’ S-400 missile system is expected to feature prominently in talks between the defence ministers. Under a deal signed in 2018 (worth US $5.43 billion), India had placed an order for five S-400 air-defence systems from Russia. While three of these have already been delivered and deployed at various locations, the remaining two are expected to arrive by next year.
On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had confirmed that the Russian stealth bomber Su-57 is part of the agenda during the summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “SU- 57 is the best plane in the world. SU57 will be on the agenda,” Peskov said, offering a glimpse into top level talks between the two leaders.
“The sale of additional S-400 long-range anti-aircraft missiles could be on the agenda during the visit and this could be discussed. Our military industry is working pretty well. Russian arms 36 percent in the Indian armed forces and hopefully will continue,” she had added.
Russia has reaffirmed that its defence partnership with India remains firmly strategic, continuing to evolve towards “renewed focus on the exchange of advanced technological know-how”.
