November 28, 2024: The India-Russia defence relationship took a significant step forward with the successful conclusion of the fourth meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation under the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). The high-level discussions, held in Moscow, focused on reinforcing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries through enhanced knowledge-sharing, expanded joint military exercises, and deeper strategic collaboration.

Co-chaired by Lt Gen JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff of India, and Lieutenant General Dylevsky Igor Nikolaevich, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian Federation Armed Forces, the meeting underscored the commitment to strengthening bilateral defence ties. The discussions also explored further areas of collaboration aimed at enhancing operational synergy and strategic coordination between the armed forces of India and Russia.

Key among the decisions made was the agreement to expand the scope and scale of joint military exercises. Over the years, India and Russia have conducted a series of successful drills, including the INDRA series, AVIA INDRA, and INDRA NAVY, which have proven instrumental in enhancing interoperability between their forces. These exercises, covering land, air, and naval domains, have played a pivotal role in refining operational tactics, improving coordination, and fostering greater mutual understanding.

The Working Group’s discussions also highlighted the importance of continued knowledge-sharing in key strategic areas such as counter-terrorism, cyber warfare, and military technology. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in these domains to ensure regional stability and security.

India and Russia's defence ties have been a cornerstone of their broader strategic partnership, which dates back to the signing of a Strategic Partnership Declaration in 2000. This relationship was elevated to the level of a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010, reflecting the deepening of bilateral ties across multiple sectors, including defence, trade, and technology.

The IRIGC-M&MTC Working Group continues to serve as a critical platform for evaluating current initiatives, identifying new avenues of cooperation, and addressing emerging challenges. As both nations move forward with plans to further bolster their military collaboration, the expanded joint exercises and strategic dialogues signal a robust future for the India-Russia defence partnership.