Rajnath Singh's Visit to Moscow and India-Russia Relations

1. Rajnath Singh's Meeting with Vladimir Putin:

   1. On December 10, 2024, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
   2. During the meeting, Singh described the India-Russia relationship as "higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean," emphasizing the deep and enduring ties between the two nations.
   3. Both leaders expressed that the partnership has immense potential, and their combined efforts would lead to remarkable outcomes in the future.

2. Strengthening Strategic Partnership:

   1. Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to its "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" with Russia.
   2. He said that the relationship between the two countries has been strengthened in recent years, citing two visits by Prime Minister Modi to Russia in 2024.
   3. Putin and Modi met bilaterally in Moscow in July 2024 and again in October at the BRICS Summit in Kazan.
   4. A state visit by Putin to India is scheduled for 2025 for annual summit talks with PM Modi.

3. 21st Session of IRIGC-M&MTC:

   1. Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 21st session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov.
   2. The two ministers signed a protocol for the session, marking the ongoing and prospective areas of cooperation between the two countries.
   3. Singh emphasized enhanced industrial collaboration, particularly in the Make in India initiative, and called for greater participation by Russian industries in these projects.

4. S-400 Missile Systems:

   1. One of the key points raised by Rajnath Singh was the expediting of the delivery of two remaining units of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems, which are crucial for enhancing India’s air defense capabilities.
   2. The two Defence Ministers also discussed the Military Technical Cooperation Agreement (2021-2031), which aims to bolster defense collaboration between the two countries. The agreement includes areas such as research, development, production, and after-sales support for military equipment.

5. Commitment to Domestic Defence Industry:

   1. Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s focus on boosting its domestic defense industry through collaborations with international partners.
   2. He underscored the importance of Russia's role in supporting India's defense modernization and Make in India efforts.

6. Guard of Honour and Commemorative Visit:

   1. Prior to the meeting with Putin, Singh was given a Guard of Honour at the Russian Defence Ministry in Moscow.
   2. He also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, paying respects to Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during World War II.

7. Military and Technical Cooperation:

   1. India and Russia have a long-standing institutional framework for military and technical cooperation, which includes the IRIGC-MTC, established in 2000.
   2. The IRIGC-MTC is responsible for overseeing military-technical cooperation, with two Working Groups and nine Sub-Groups that focus on various defense issues.
   3. The Defence Ministers of India and Russia meet annually to review the status of ongoing projects and other cooperation areas. The 20th meeting took place in Delhi in December 2021.

8. Future Prospects:

   1. During his visit, Rajnath Singh invited Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov to India for the 22nd session of the IRIGC-M&MTC in 2025, which was accepted.
   2. Singh also attended the commissioning of a Russian-manufactured guided missile frigate into the Indian Navy in Kaliningrad on December 9, 2024.

Strategic Context and Importance:

1. India-Russia Defense Ties: India and Russia share a strong defense relationship, with Russia being one of India’s largest suppliers of defense equipment. The strategic partnership is built on decades of cooperation in areas such as military technology, arms trade, and joint military exercises.
2. "Make in India" Initiative: India has been focusing on building self-reliance in defense production, and Russia’s involvement in the Make in India initiative is crucial for transferring technology and increasing domestic manufacturing in India’s defense sector.
3. Geopolitical Significance: This visit highlights the strengthening of ties between two key global players. Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, both nations are keen to bolster their ties in defense, trade, and other strategic areas.
4. S-400 Deal: The ongoing delivery of the S-400 missile defense systems is part of India’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities and defend against aerial threats. The S-400 systems are a critical component of India's defense strategy, especially in the context of evolving security challenges in the region.
5. Cultural and Historical Connections: The wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a reminder of the long-standing cultural and historical bonds between India and Russia. These traditions of respect and solidarity reinforce the trust between the two nations.

Conclusion:

Rajnath Singh’s visit to Moscow underscores the deep-rooted strategic relationship between India and Russia. Both nations are committed to enhancing military collaboration, addressing contemporary defense needs, and pursuing shared geopolitical interests. The partnership is set to expand in various dimensions, particularly in defense technology, industrial collaboration, and military exchanges. As both countries continue to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, their special relationship remains pivotal for ensuring regional and global stability.