Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth on Thursday, 17 September 2026, visited the Russian Land Forces Headquarters in Moscow as part of a three-day official visit to Russia, with discussions centred on deepening military cooperation, expanding training engagements, and strengthening capability development between the two armies.

Key Developments During the Visit

According to a post on social media platform X by the Additional Directorate General of the Indian Army, General Seth received a ceremonial Guard of Honour and paid homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow before proceeding to the Land Forces Headquarters for talks. The interactions, the post noted, were focused on 'issues of mutual interest, focused on deepening military cooperation, expanding training engagements and strengthening capability development between the two Armies.'

General Seth's visit commenced on Wednesday and is aimed at reinforcing the longstanding defence partnership and military-to-military cooperation between India and Russia.

Meetings with Russian Defence Officials

According to the Ministry of Defence, General Seth is scheduled to visit the National Defence Control Centre in Moscow and hold talks with senior Russian defence officials, including Vasily Sergeyevich Osmakov, Deputy Minister of Defence responsible for defence industry and procurement. These engagements are expected to facilitate an exchange of perspectives on contemporary military developments and avenues for enhanced defence cooperation.

Saint Petersburg Leg of the Visit

As part of the trip, General Seth will also travel to Saint Petersburg, where he is scheduled to visit the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy and interact with its leadership and faculty. The academy engagement underscores the significance of training and academic exchanges within the bilateral defence framework.

Broader Diplomatic Context

The Army chief's visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi last week. During that meeting, Modi reiterated that 'dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward' in resolving ongoing conflicts. The two leaders also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have reportedly impacted maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers. Modi reiterated India's readiness to assist in peace efforts.

The Ministry of Defence stated that General Seth's visit 'reflects the importance attached by both countries to sustained military diplomacy and Army-to-Army engagement,' and that the interactions are expected to 'further deepen military cooperation and reinforce the enduring defence relationship between India and Russia.' With both nations navigating a complex global security environment, the outcome of these engagements will be watched closely by defence analysts and India's strategic partners alike.