Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi presenting a memento to Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev in New Delhi. (Photo: Indian Navy)
New Delhi Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev, commander in chief of the Russian Federation Navy, is currently on a four-day official visit to India. The visit, which began on Monday, aims to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation between the two countries.
On his arrival, Adm Moiseyev was received by the Indian Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, with a ceremonial guard of honour at the South Block lawns.
Later, the Russian navy chief held high-level discussions with key Indian defence officials, including the chief of defence staff, General Anil Chauhan, and Adm Tripathi. The discussions focused on enhancing maritime security, exploring new avenues for naval cooperation, and strengthening the overall strategic partnership.
Adm Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief, Russian Federation Navy #RuFN on a visit to #India, 19-22 Aug 24, was received by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block Lawns on #19Aug 24.
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 20, 2024
Both Principals held discussion on… pic.twitter.com/0rgIZnzYns
Russia has been a long-standing defence partner of India, with several ongoing defence collaborations, including the construction of warships. In July, India’s frontline guided-missile frigate INS Tabar participated in the main Russian Navy Day parade in Saint Petersburg and later took part in a bilateral maritime partnership exercise with a Russian corvette Soobrazitelny in the Baltic Sea.
Adm Moiseyev’s visit comes at a time when the prime minister, Narendra Modi, is to embark on a diplomatic mission to Ukraine – a country Russia is at war now. Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine on August 23. This will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries over 30 years ago.
Modi is visiting Ukraine at a time when Kyiv is dealing with the conflict with Russia. Observers say India’s stance and support could have important implications for regional stability and international diplomacy.
It may be recalled, as India Sentinels had reported, that Modi’s recent visit to Russia did not go down well with Ukraine and western capitals. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, called Modi’s visit a “huge disappointment” and a “devastating blow” to peace efforts. The United States raised concerns with India about its relationship with Russia amid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine after Modi held an informal meeting with Putin.
Nonetheless, while India navigates complex geopolitical challenges, the Russian navy chief’s visit underscores the enduring strength of the India-Russia relationship.
