India’s Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth Visits Russia, Holds Talks with Deputy Defence Minister to Boost Military Ties

General Dhiraj Seth, the Chief of Army Staff of India, spent three days in Russia from September 16‑18, shaking hands and swapping ideas with his Russian counterparts. On Friday he stepped into the Ministry of Defence in Moscow, where he was received by Deputy Defence Minister General Yunus‑Bek Yevkurov.

The two senior officers talked at length about “joint capability development”, a phrase that sounds almost bureaucratic but really means more joint exercises, shared training modules and, possibly, co‑development of future weapons systems. Both sides hinted at expanding professional military exchanges – the kind of thing that keeps armies in sync, from officer courses to field drills.

Before that meeting, General Seth paid a quick visit to the Indian Embassy, catching up with Ambassador Vinay Kumar. Their conversation drifted from the usual diplomatic niceties to concrete steps for strengthening India‑Russia defence ties – think more joint projects, smoother procurement channels, and a dash of strategic goodwill.

Back at the Russian Ministry, a ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented, and the COAS took a moment to salute the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The gesture, solemn and symbolic, underscored the deep historical respect between the two militaries.

Later, General Seth toured the Russian Land Forces Headquarters. Inside, senior officers and staff laid out a roadmap for deeper cooperation – more joint training, sharing of best practices, and bolstering each army’s combat capabilities. It’s the kind of behind‑the‑scenes work that rarely makes headlines but builds the real foundation for future joint operations.

He also set his sights on Saint Petersburg, where he is slated to visit the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy. The plan is to meet faculty, see training facilities, and perhaps sow the seeds for future academic exchanges or joint research projects.

All of this comes at a time when India’s defence procurement has long leaned on Russian hardware – from aircraft engines to artillery shells. The relationship is evolving, moving from a simple buyer‑seller dynamic toward co‑development of advanced systems.

In short, the visit was less about fanfare and more about cementing a partnership that has proved reliable for decades. Both nations walked away with a clearer agenda for Army‑to‑Army engagement, and the expectation that the next few years will see more joint exercises, shared technology, and a tighter strategic bond.