Rajnath Singh, Russian Minister Meet at SCO in Qingdao

In a significant diplomatic and strategic development, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met with Russian Defence Minister Mr Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, on June 26, 2025. The high-level bilateral engagement underscored the enduring strength and evolving depth of the Indo-Russian strategic partnership, particularly in the sphere of defence cooperation amidst a changing global order.

During the meeting, both leaders conducted in-depth discussions on a wide array of topics, focusing on the current geopolitical environment, cross-border terrorism, and the ongoing Indo-Russian collaboration in defence production and technology. The talks came at a crucial time, especially in the aftermath of the recent Operation Sindoor and the rising need for self-reliance in defence manufacturing by both nations.

A standout moment in the meeting was Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov’s firm show of solidarity with India following the brutal terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. He strongly condemned the assault as “horrendous” and reiterated Russia’s steadfast support for India’s ongoing fight against terrorism.

The leaders also exchanged views on the broader Indo-Pacific security architecture, reiterating their shared commitment to peace, stability, and multilateralism in regional and global affairs. As both countries navigate evolving global tensions, their mutual defence collaboration remains a linchpin of strategic stability.

A focal point of the discussion revolved around the enhancement of joint defence production, especially in critical areas such as air defence systems, next-generation air-to-air missiles, and upgrades to legacy air platforms. In light of recent operational requirements highlighted during Operation Sindoor, the urgency to expedite deliveries and co-develop cutting-edge military capabilities was strongly emphasized.

The Russian side notably reiterated its commitment to expedite the delivery of the remaining S-400 Triumf air defence systems to India and to fast-track the upgrade programme for the Su-30MKI fighter jets—an essential asset of the Indian Air Force. The discussions also covered key priorities such as the procurement of advanced military hardware, development of drone and counter-drone technologies, and strengthened logistics support for Indian armed forces.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to further consolidate existing military-to-military engagements, including training exchanges, joint exercises, and institutional dialogue between the armed forces of both countries. Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s consistent appreciation of Russia’s role as a trusted and time-tested defence partner.

In conclusion, the bilateral interaction between Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov marked a renewed strategic convergence between the two nations. It reaffirmed their shared vision of a secure and multipolar world order, while also laying a roadmap for deepening future cooperation in co-development, joint ventures, and faster induction of advanced military systems. This meeting, against the backdrop of growing global volatility and security challenges, reinforced the special and privileged strategic partnership that India and Russia continue to cherish and build upon.