'Boosting defence ties': Singh and Belousov meet in Qingdao
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh caught up with Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov at the SCO meet in Qingdao, China, where they chatted about taking India-Russia defense cooperation up a notch.
Singh called the discussion "insightful" and highlighted how both countries are sticking together as security challenges shift in the region.
Talks on S-400 systems, Su-30 fighter jets
The two leaders talked about big defense projects—like getting more Russian S-400 air defense systems to India (three out of five squadrons are already here, with the rest coming by 2026).
They also discussed upgrades for Su-30 MKI fighter jets and the upcoming commissioning of INS Tamal, a new guided missile frigate, on July 1.
Russia also showed support for India after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, reinforcing their close partnership.