India and Russia are looking to deepen their longstanding defence partnership following Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth’s three-day visit to Russia from September 16 to 18, 2026. The visit included high-level meetings with Russian military officials and engagements with key defence institutions, with the discussions centred on strengthening Army-to-Army cooperation and expanding professional military exchanges.
In Moscow, General Seth held talks with senior Russian defence leadership, including Deputy Minister of Defence General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov. The discussions covered areas such as joint capability development, military cooperation and professional exchanges. General Seth also visited the headquarters of the Russian Land Forces, where he discussed contemporary military developments and opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two armies.
Training and artillery capabilities were another important part of the visit. In St Petersburg, the Army Chief visited the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy and interacted with its faculty. The discussions focused on training methodologies and artillery modernisation, providing an opportunity for both sides to exchange professional knowledge and experience.
The Russia visit also included ceremonial engagements reflecting the historical dimension of bilateral relations. General Seth received a Guard of Honour and visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, where he paid tribute to Soviet soldiers who died during the Second World War.
India and Russia have maintained close defence ties for several decades, with cooperation gradually expanding into areas beyond the supply of military equipment. The partnership today includes joint development and production, technology cooperation, military exercises, training and institutional exchanges. The BrahMos programme remains a notable example of collaboration in advanced defence technology, while exercises such as INDRA provide opportunities for the two armed forces to work together.
The latest engagement comes as India continues to modernise its armed forces while placing greater emphasis on domestic defence production and technological capabilities. Russia remains an important part of India’s broader defence engagement, while New Delhi has simultaneously been expanding defence cooperation with a wider range of international partners.
General Seth’s visit therefore provided an opportunity to further strengthen established military channels between India and Russia. The discussions in Moscow and St Petersburg covered practical areas including training, artillery modernisation, capability development and professional exchanges, reflecting the continuing evolution of the bilateral defence relationship.
The visit also followed recent high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on bilateral cooperation. The continued engagement at both political and military levels indicates that defence remains an important component of the broader India-Russia strategic relationship.
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