Rajnath Singh is likely to hold a series of meetings with senior military officers from Russia
New Delhi:
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh left on Monday for a three-day visit to Russia during which he will meet with Russia’s top military officials and attend a grand military parade in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany during World War II. .
This is the first visit abroad of a union top minister in four months, as international travel has been limited due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The last overseas trip of a prominent member of the union’s cabinet was made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during his visit to Riyadh from February 22-24, to attend a meeting of G20 finance ministers.
A few days before Ms. Sitharaman’s trip, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar visited Germany from February 18 to 19.
Defense Minister’s visit to Russia comes amid escalation of the India-China border, particularly after the killing of 20 Indian soldiers by Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in the east Ladakh, June 15.
“Leaving for Moscow for a three-day visit. The visit to Russia will give me the opportunity to discuss ways to further deepen the strategic and defense partnership between India and Russia. I will also attend the 75th parade of the Victory Day in Moscow, “Singh tweeted before leaving for Moscow.
Depart for Moscow for a three-day visit. The visit to Russia will give me the opportunity to discuss the means of further deepening the India-Russia strategic and defense partnership. I will also attend the 75th Victory Day Parade in Moscow.
– Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 22, 2020
Officials said Singh followed up on his visit, despite the border with China, due to India’s military ties to Russia for decades.
They said the defense minister would likely hold a series of meetings with senior Russian military officials to further strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.
An Indian military contingent of 75 tri-service soldiers has already arrived in Moscow to participate in the parade. The Indian team will participate in the parade alongside members of the armed forces from at least 11 countries, including China.
“The defense minister’s visit will strengthen the longstanding special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia,” said the defense ministry on Saturday.
“India’s participation in the Victory Day parade will be a tribute to the great sacrifices made by Russia and other nations during the Second World War, in which Indian soldiers also participated and made a supreme sacrifice,” said he added.
