India-Russia Defence Talks Strengthen Cooperation, Prepare for PM Modi's Potential Russia Visit

New Delhi: The third India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) Sub-Working Group meeting was held in the national capital, aiming to enhance further defence cooperation and joint exercises between the two nations. This two-day meeting, held on June 26-27, saw the participation of the Indian Army and Russia's Land Forces. The key agenda included discussions on defence cooperation, military training, military education, and joint exercises.  

"3rd #India #Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) Sub Working Group (Land) Meeting between #IndianArmy & #LandForces, Russian Federation was held at #NewDelhi from 26-27 Jun 2024. The Talks focused on defence cooperation, military training, military education & joint exercises between the two Armies," the Indian Army posted on X.  

Upcoming Visit by Prime Minister Modi to Russia 

In parallel, India and Russia are arranging an upcoming visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia. According to Reuters, citing the Russian state news agency RIA, a diplomatic source indicated that PM Modi's visit might occur in July. The Kremlin had previously announced in March that Modi had an outstanding invitation to visit Russia, confirming that a meeting between PM Modi and President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to take place. This visit, if it happens, will be PM Modi's first trip to Russia since 2019 and the first since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

President Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021 for the annual India-Russia Summit, which has not been held in the past two years. PM Modi last met Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on September 16, 2022, urging him to follow the path of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict.  

India's Stance on the Ukraine Conflict  

Despite growing strategic and security ties with the US and other key Western players, India has refrained from publicly criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. India has ramped up the purchase of Russian crude despite initial pressure from the US, citing the necessity to control domestic oil prices. However, India has consistently advocated for a cessation of hostilities in the Ukraine conflict and a return to dialogue and diplomacy to find a lasting solution.

This nuanced stance reflects India's broader strategic interests, balancing its traditional ties with Russia and its expanding relationships with Western nations. The upcoming visit by PM Modi to Russia underscores the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations and ongoing collaboration in defence and other critical areas.  

The defence ties between India and Russia have a long history, marked by cooperation and mutual support in various military domains. The IRIGC meetings and the recent focus on joint exercises and military education highlight the ongoing commitment to strengthen this partnership. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the operational capabilities and readiness of the armed forces of both nations.