Rajnath Singh: Russia Holds Key to South Asia Balance as Putin Visit Seals $2 Billion Submarine Deal
Rajnath Singh calls Russia a key factor for South Asia balance amid deepening India-Russia defence ties.
India and Russia reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership on Thursday as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belusov in New Delhi for crucial bilateral talks. The meeting comes just hours ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s arrival for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, marking his first visit to India since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. With geopolitical tensions intensifying globally, both sides signalled a renewed commitment to expanding defence and strategic cooperation.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Rajnath Singh described Russia as a “time-tested strategic partner” and noted that defence cooperation has substantially grown since the signing of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership. He said that despite widespread geopolitical uncertainties, bilateral military collaboration remains “progressing at a healthy pace”. The talks are expected to finalise several major agreements, including a potential $2-billion deal to lease another nuclear-powered attack submarine for the Indian Navy.
Russian Defence Minister Belusov echoed India’s sentiments, emphasising that the partnership with New Delhi is critical for maintaining regional stability. He described India as a “key factor for balance in the South Asian region” and highlighted Russia’s ongoing assistance in supporting India’s army, navy and air force modernisation plans. Belusov also praised the intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation for enabling swift, mutually beneficial decisions in the defence domain.
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Putin’s visit has gained heightened geopolitical relevance against the backdrop of US pressure on India to reduce oil imports from Russia and the escalating assertiveness of China and Pakistan. Reports indicate that Washington’s steep 50% tariff hikes following India’s continued import of discounted Russian crude have prompted New Delhi to more visibly assert its strategic autonomy. Strengthening defence and energy ties with Moscow is now seen as a key component of India’s multi-aligned foreign policy.
Despite Russia remaining India’s largest arms supplier between 2020 and 2024, accounting for 36% of India’s weapons imports, data suggests its share has been declining. This shift has encouraged both nations to diversify cooperation into other sectors, including advanced technology, energy security, and industrial manufacturing. Analysts believe these expanded areas of engagement are aimed at preserving the depth of the partnership even as global supply chains evolve.
Sources confirmed that President Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss defence, energy, and geopolitical issues at the summit. The leaders are expected to issue a joint statement reaffirming their long-standing ties and outlining a roadmap for future cooperation. As India navigates complex pressures from global powers, its engagement with Russia underscores New Delhi’s determination to uphold strategic autonomy while preserving critical defence partnerships.
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