Indian Army chief begins Russia visit to boost defence ties

NEW DELHI: Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth has embarked on an official visit to Russia from Sept. 16 to 18 to strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties, the Indian Army said on Tuesday.

During the visit, Seth will receive a ceremonial Guard of Honour and pay tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, the statement said.

He will hold talks with Colonel General Andrei Nikolayevich Mordvichev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces, on issues of mutual interest including professional military cooperation and training.

Seth will also visit the National Defence Control Centre in Moscow and interact with senior officials of the Russian Ministry of Defence, including Deputy Defence Minister Vasily Sergeyevich Osmakov, who oversees defence industry and procurement.

The engagements will provide an opportunity to exchange perspectives on contemporary military developments and avenues for enhancing defence cooperation, the Army said.

As part of the visit, the army chief will travel to Saint Petersburg to visit the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy and interact with its leadership and faculty.

The visit reflects the importance attached by both countries to sustained military diplomacy and army-to-army engagement and is expected to further deepen cooperation, the statement said.