The North News
New Delhi, June 27
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting, where both leaders reaffirmed the importance of deepening military cooperation amid evolving regional challenges. During the bilateral meeting held in Qingdao, Rajnath Singh and Belousov reviewed the progress of major defence projects, including the supply of the S-400 air defence systems and the upgrade of Su-30 MKI fighter jets. Discussions also centred on expediting the procurement of other critical military hardware to strengthen India’s defence preparedness.
The two ministers exchanged views on a range of issues, including regional security, cross-border terrorism, and the global geopolitical landscape. Russia reiterated its commitment to long-standing defence ties with India and expressed strong solidarity in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which it condemned as a “horrendous and cowardly act”.
Both sides also emphasised the need for modernisation of air platforms, air-to-air missile systems, and high-end technologies to maintain strategic deterrence.
