Rajnath Singh meets Russian Deputy PM, gets assurance over defence contracts

Moscow/ New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov on Tuesday in the hotel at Moscow where he is staying. After the meeting, Rajnath tweeted "Had an excellent meeting with  Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov. India & Russia enjoy Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and defence relationship is one of its important pillars. We reviewed our defence cooperation and discussed ways to expand it."

Later a press statement issued by the Ministry of Defence here in New Delhi mentioned that the Defence Minister has been assured that India's ongoing defence contracts with Russian Federation will be maintained and not just maintained, in a number of cases will be taken forward in a shorter time. All of India's proposals have received a positive response from the Russian side". 

I am fully satisfied with my discussions, said Rajnath Singh. "I am in Moscow at the invitation of the Russian Ministry of Defence to attend the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day Parade which is a most auspicious occasion for Russia and the whole world. As we remember and pay tribute to the immense sacrifice of the Russian people for victory in the Second World War.  Indian soldiers participated in the war effort in the millions and suffered immense causalities. Many of them were part of the war efforts to providing assistance to the Soviet Army" he added.

"It is a great honour that an Indian Military contingent will be marching in the Red Square tomorrow. This is a sign of everlasting friendship between the armed forces of both our countries" said the Minister. He also said that his visit to Moscow is the first foreign visit from India of an official delegation after the COVID pandemic. This is a sign of special friendship. Despite all the difficulties of the pandemic, the bilateral relations are keeping good contacts at the various levels between India-Russia. "We look forward to the visit of His Excellency President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, later this year" he concluded.

Earlier in the morning, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar (IAS) had a discussions with his counterpart, Deputy Defence Minister, Col General Alexander Fomin. They discussed bilateral defence cooperation issues and issues of regional development.

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