India-Russia Defence Ties Strengthen as Army Chief Dhiraj Seth Focuses on Training and Military Capability Cooperation

India and Russia are further strengthening their long-standing defence partnership as Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth undertakes an official visit to Russia focused on expanding military training, capability development and Army-to-Army cooperation. General Seth’s visit began on September 16 and is scheduled to conclude on September 18. During his stay in Moscow, he received a ceremonial Guard of Honour and paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, highlighting India’s respect for Russia’s military history and the sacrifices made by its armed forces.

The Army Chief also visited the headquarters of the Russian Land Forces, where discussions centred on strengthening bilateral military cooperation. According to details shared by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the two sides discussed expanding training activities, enhancing military capabilities and identifying additional areas of professional cooperation.

General Seth is holding talks with Colonel General Andrei Nikolayevich Mordvichev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces. The discussions are focused on professional military engagement and training, with both sides looking at ways to improve mutual understanding and operational cooperation between their respective armies. The visit takes place against the backdrop of decades of military-technical cooperation between India and Russia. Over the years, the relationship has developed beyond a traditional buyer-and-seller arrangement, with the two countries also pursuing joint research, development and production of defence equipment and technologies.

During his programme in Moscow, General Seth is also scheduled to visit the National Defence Control Centre and meet senior officials of Russia’s Ministry of Defence. He is expected to interact with Deputy Defence Minister Vasily Sergeyevich Osmakov, who oversees defence industry and procurement-related matters. These engagements are significant as India continues to explore opportunities for cooperation with Russia’s defence industrial sector.

The meetings are also expected to provide an avenue for both countries to exchange views on evolving military challenges and contemporary developments in warfare. Discussions around training, military doctrine and capability development could help identify new areas for closer cooperation between the two armed forces.

General Seth is scheduled to travel to Saint Petersburg as part of the visit, where he will visit the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy. His interaction with the academy’s leadership and faculty is expected to encourage greater academic and professional exchanges between Indian and Russian military institutions. The visit underlines the continued importance of military diplomacy in India-Russia relations. Regular engagement between senior military officials and defence institutions remains an important part of maintaining cooperation and strengthening professional ties between the two countries.

Russia continues to be an important part of India’s defence ecosystem, particularly in areas involving military equipment, engines, spare parts and components. At the same time, India is expanding domestic defence production and diversifying its sources of military technology. General Seth’s visit therefore provides an opportunity for both countries to review their existing defence cooperation and explore new avenues in military training, technology, capability development and professional exchanges. It also reflects the continuing evolution of the India-Russia defence relationship amid changing military and technological requirements.