The 21st session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) took place in Moscow on December 10, 2024.
The session was co-chaired by India’s Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, and Russia’s Defence Minister, Mr Andrey Belousov. This annual meeting served as a platform for both countries to discuss the deepening of their strategic military ties and the future of defence cooperation.
Shri Rajnath Singh opened the session by highlighting the strength of the India-Russia relationship, describing it as a "special and privileged strategic partnership." He noted that the relationship has been continuously nurtured over the years and has withstood the test of time.
This was further evidenced by the recent visits of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Russia in 2024, which have strengthened bilateral ties. Singh also emphasised India’s commitment to expanding the capabilities of its domestic defence industry and stated that this was a key area for future collaboration with Russia.
A significant part of the discussions centred on the “Make in India” initiative, which aims to boost India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh called for more involvement of Russian industries in India’s defence manufacturing sector.
By working together on defence projects, both countries can build greater self-reliance in the industry, which is crucial for India’s national security and economic growth.
The Russian Defence Minister, Mr Andrey Belousov, echoed these sentiments and pointed to the growing mutual trust between the two nations. He reiterated the importance of the recently operationalised Military Technical Cooperation agreement for the period 2021-2031, which he believes will provide a major boost to the “Make in India” initiative.
Belousov highlighted that this agreement would enhance industrial collaboration between both nations and provide the necessary impetus for the growth of India's domestic defence sector.
The meeting also saw significant discussions about the future of military technical cooperation and ways to address emerging challenges in defence technology and security.
Both ministers discussed ongoing and potential areas of collaboration, ensuring that their cooperation is robust and adaptable to the changing global security landscape.
As a gesture of goodwill and solidarity, Shri Rajnath Singh invited Minister Belousov to India to co-chair the 22nd session of the IRIGC-M&MTC in 2025. The invitation was warmly accepted, reinforcing the strong bilateral ties and commitment to future cooperation.
Before the meeting, Shri Rajnath Singh participated in a ceremonial Guard of Honour inspection at the Russian Defence Ministry in Central Moscow.
He also laid a wreath at ‘The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ to honour the Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War, symbolising India’s respect for the sacrifices made by the Russian people.
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