New Delhi, 16 September (H.S.): Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth on Wednesday embarked on an official visit to Russia aimed at further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership and military-to-military cooperation between the two countries. During the visit, he will hold discussions 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.

During his three-day visit, which will continue until September 18, the Chief of the Army Staff will pay homage to fallen soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, where he will also receive a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

General Seth will also visit the National Defence Control Centre in Moscow and interact with senior officials of the Russian Ministry of Defence, including Deputy Minister of Defence Vasily Sergeyevich Osmakov, who is responsible for matters related to defence industry and procurement. These engagements will provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange perspectives on contemporary military developments and explore avenues for further enhancing defence cooperation.

As part of the visit, General Dhiraj Seth will also travel to Saint Petersburg, where he will visit the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy and interact with its leadership and faculty.

The visit underscores the importance attached by both countries to sustained military diplomacy and Army-to-Army engagement. The interactions are expected to further deepen military cooperation and reinforce the enduring defence relationship between India and Russia.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar