Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in Delhi for the 22nd India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation. On arrival, he greeted his Indian counterpart with a warm “Namaste, I am glad to meet you once again on Indian soil.”
The cordial greeting set a friendly tone. It reflected the enduring bond between the two nations. His visit comes ahead of the state visit of the Russian President to India.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov says, “I am glad to meet you once again on Indian soil. As you just said, our countries are tied with… pic.twitter.com/plBEYK2d8P
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
Key Meetings and Diplomatic Formalities
Shortly after arriving, Belousov reviewed a Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the Manekshaw Centre. He did this together with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The ceremony underlined the mutual respect between the two militaries.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda tweets, “Met Mikhail Murashko, Health Minister of the Russian Federation, today. Discussed various health sector-related issues and agreed to enhance bilateral collaboration and partnership in health sector. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to… pic.twitter.com/qfdupZBAw0
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
Later, both ministers are scheduled to jointly chair the 22nd session of the India–Russia Defence Commission. The meeting will cover further military and technical cooperation, including equipment deals, joint exercises, and long-term strategic coordination.
Health Diplomacy: Beyond Weapons and Uniforms
On the sidelines of the defence talks, India’s Union Health Minister JP Nadda met his Russian counterpart Mikhail Murashko. The two discussed ways to improve healthcare cooperation between the countries. Nadda said, “Both sides reaffirmed commitment to advancing a shared vision of accessibility to affordable and quality healthcare.”
The talks focused on initiatives to make healthcare more accessible and effective for citizens in both nations. This health-sector collaboration adds a humanitarian layer to the larger defence-led visit.
Countdown to Presidential Visit: Full Schedule Revealed
The visit of Belousov precedes a full state visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for December 4–5, 2025. According to the timetable, Putin is expected to land at Palam airport, Delhi, this evening. The next day, the President will receive a ceremonial welcome at the official residence and visit the central national monuments.
#WATCH | Delhi | Defence Minister of Russia Andrei Belousov inspects the Tri-Service Guard of Honour in the presence of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Manekshaw Centre.
The Russian Defence Minister will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on… pic.twitter.com/gNu2xLCtUM
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
Later, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, followed by a business delegation event and meetings with other leaders. These high-level events will highlight India-Russia ties in diplomacy, defence, and trade.
What This Visit Signals for India–Russia Ties
This visit isn’t just symbolic. It underscores a renewed push for deeper India–Russia cooperation. By combining defence negotiations with health-sector talks, both countries show their interest in a multi-dimensional partnership. The Guard of Honour and formal meetings reaffirm mutual military respect. The health talks show a broader, people-centric engagement. Together, these events suggest that India and Russia intend to expand cooperation beyond traditional military ties.
For India, the visit offers a chance to secure advanced defence deals, modernize its forces, and strengthen strategic ties. For Russia, it is an opportunity to reassert itself as a key partner in Asia and broaden its diplomatic and economic footprint.
What to Watch Next in Putin’s India Visit
In the coming days, eyes will be on the outcomes of the 22nd Defence Commission meeting — especially new defence agreements, joint exercise schedules, and equipment procurement deals. Watch also for any joint statements coming from Prime Minister Modi and President Putin after their talks. On the healthcare side, monitoring how both countries plan to collaborate on medical access, research, and public health is also key.
The visit blends diplomacy, defence, and public welfare — signalling a new phase in India–Russia partnership.
