Belousov called the relations between Russia and India the key to balance in the South Asian region.

Relations between Russia and India are the key to balance in the South Asian region and global security. This was announced on December 4 by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov at the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Indian Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation in New Delhi.

"The Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation makes a significant contribution to making effective and mutually beneficial decisions in the defense sector. Today we will summarize the results of its work and define tasks for the future," he said.

Belousov also noted the strategic nature of the bilateral relations. He added that the meeting would help strengthen Russian-Indian defense relations.

"Our countries are linked by a strong, time—tested friendship based on mutual respect," the Russian Defense Minister added.

In turn, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh thanked Belousov for participating in the meeting. He noted that Russia is a special and privileged strategic partner of India.

"Since the signing of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in 2000, impressive progress has been noted in our defense cooperation," he added.

Relatives in touch: Putin will take cooperation with India to a new level

The visit of the Russian president to the republic has been expected since 2021

On the eve of his visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an interview to Indian journalists, where he stated that Moscow and New Delhi have a large-scale plan for cooperation, including in the technological sphere, space, and nuclear energy.

In turn, Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on December 3 that the political dialogue between Russia and India is very active.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.