Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) has obtained information about Russia’s plans to deepen military-technical cooperation with India, according to a Kyiv Post source in HUR.
Per the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the fourth meeting of the working subgroup of the Russian-Indian intergovernmental commission on military and military-technical cooperation is scheduled in St. Petersburg from Sept. 15-18.
Over the four days, Russian and Indian delegations are expected to develop and agree on military cooperation plans for 2025–2026.
Despite the event being held under strict secrecy, according to the source, Ukrainian intelligence has obtained a detailed agenda, which includes a symbolic visit by the Indian delegation to the cruiser Aurora, while negotiations are to be held at the Central Naval Museum.
“The agenda includes discussions on defense cooperation, military training, and the holding of joint military exercises,” the source said.
Currently, Russia and India are already implementing several large-scale joint projects. These include the production of PJ-10 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and AK-203 assault rifles at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited joint venture, launched in 2019 to fully rearm the Indian army.
Last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signaled positive progress with Russia following a phone call with his “friend,” Russian leader Vladimir Putin, even as Washington threatened 50% tariffs on Indian goods due to its continued purchase of Russian oil.
Following the call, on Friday, Aug. 8, Modi announced that he’d had a “very good and detailed conversation” with the Russian leader, during which the invasion of Ukraine was discussed.
Modi signaled a commitment to deepening ties between New Delhi and Moscow.
Before Modi’s call with Putin, India also dispatched its national security advisor, Ajit Doval, to meet with Putin in Moscow, though the details of their conversations have not been made public.
Following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, India has become a major Russian oil buyer, with New Delhi benefiting from reselling the crude as refined products.