Date: December 10, 2024 Location: Moscow, Russia Key People:
  • Rajnath Singh: India's Defense Minister
  • Vladimir Putin: President of Russia
  • Andrey Belousov: Russian Deputy Prime Minister
  • IRIGC- M&MTC: 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation
On December 10, 2024, India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited Moscow for the 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). The visit aimed to strengthen the long-term military and defense cooperation between India and Russia, especially amidst growing global tensions due to Russia's war with Ukraine.

INDIA’S STRONG SUPPORT FOR RUSSIA

  • Rajnath Singh’s Statement:
    • Rajnath Singh emphasized that India has consciously decided to not just maintain but also deepen its relationship with Russia, despite global pressure over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
    • He said India’s ties with Russia are "stronger than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean", showing the special and long-lasting relationship between the two countries.
    • Singh made it clear that India will continue to support Russia in the future, underlining the importance of strategic independence in India’s foreign policy.

IRIGC & M&MTC MEETING

  • Meeting between Indian and Russian Leaders:
    • Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov.
    • The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and expand military and defense cooperation between India and Russia.
    • The discussions focused on joint defense projects, sharing technology, and improving military ties in areas such as air defense systems, naval cooperation, and joint military production.
  • Key Outcome: Military Cooperation Agreement:
    • The India-Russia military technical cooperation agreement for 2021-2031 was formally activated during this meeting.
    • This agreement is crucial for the joint development and production of defense technologies.
    • The agreement will help support India’s "Make in India" initiative, which focuses on indigenous defense production and self-reliance in military equipment.
  • Protocol Signed:
    • At the end of the meeting, both countries signed a protocol that outlines future areas of collaboration, including military technology exchange, joint defense production, and collaborative research.

MEETING WITH PRESIDENT PUTIN

  • Discussions with Putin:
    • After the IRIGC-M&MTC meeting, Rajnath Singh had a 1-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
    • The two leaders discussed the future of India-Russia relations and current global challenges.
    • Singh assured Putin that India's commitment to its relationship with Russia remains strong and will continue to grow.
  • S-400 Delivery Delays:
    • One of the main issues discussed was the delay in the delivery of S-400 air defense systems to India.
    • Singh raised the issue and asked Russia to speed up the deliveries.
    • The remaining two regiments of S-400 systems are now expected to be delivered to India by 2025.

DELAYS IN DEFENCE DEALS

  • Delays in Major Defense Deals:
    • Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, several major defense deals between India and Russia have experienced delays. These include:
      • S-400 Air Defense Systems: The supply of these missile systems to India has been delayed.
      • Krivak-class Stealth Frigates: The construction of two stealth warships for India has faced delays.
      • The first, INS Tushil, was recently commissioned.
      • The second, INS Tamal, is expected to be delivered in early 2025.
      • It is likely to be the last warship India will import from Russia, as India plans to produce its own warships domestically.
      • Nuclear Submarine (INS Chakra-III): India is also building the INS Chakra-III, a nuclear attack submarine, in Russia.
      • This could also be one of the last submarines India imports from Russia, as India is now focused on domestic submarine production.

SHIFT TO DOMESTIC PRODUCTION

  • India is moving towards self-reliance in defense production.
  • The INS Tamal will likely be the last warship India imports from Russia, signaling the end of large-scale naval purchases from Russia.
  • India is also planning to build more of its own submarines and warships, reflecting a broader trend toward self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

MAKE IN INDIA

  • Focus on Indigenous Defense:
    • Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s commitment to boosting its indigenous defense industry.
    • He emphasized the need for Russian industries to actively participate in India’s defense production projects.
    • Singh also encouraged closer cooperation between Indian and Russian defense industries to help develop new technologies and enhance the capabilities of India's defense forces.
      • Joint Ventures and Technology Transfer:
        • Singh stressed the importance of joint ventures and technology transfer from Russia to help India build more of its own defense equipment.
        • India is looking for advanced technologies and expertise from Russia to strengthen its defense systems, particularly in areas like air defense, missiles, and space technology.

THE GEOPOLITICS & RELATED PRESSURES

  • Russia-Ukraine War and Global Pressure:
    • The visit occurred against the backdrop of global pressure on Russia due to its involvement in the Ukraine war.
    • Many countries have imposed sanctions on Russia, but India has continued to maintain strong defense ties with Russia.
    • India’s approach of strategic autonomy has allowed it to maintain strong relations with both Russia and the West, despite the tensions arising from the war.
  • Syrian Crisis:
    • During the visit, news surfaced that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had reportedly been given asylum in Russia after being overthrown.
    • This highlights Russia’s continued role in global geopolitics and its involvement in the Middle East.