Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia in the period from December 8 to 10, reports TASS, citing a source from the security sector of India, quoted by BTA.
During his visit, Singh will head to Moscow and Kaliningrad, where he will take part in a flag-raising ceremony for the Project 11356 frigate and its official handover to the Indian Navy.
„The visit is planned for December 8-10. The minister will visit Moscow and Kaliningrad, where he will take part in the flag-raising ceremony of the project 11356 frigate and its handover to the Indian Navy,“ the source specified.
In Moscow, Rajnath Singh will hold talks with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov. These meetings highlight the importance of military cooperation between the two countries, which is a key element of their strategic relationship.
The frigates of project 11356
In November 2018 Russia and India signed a contract for the supply of four frigates of the project 11356. The deal includes the construction of two of them in Russia, at the Baltic Shipyard “Yantar“ in Kaliningrad, and the other two in the Indian shipyard “Goa Shipyard Limited”.
The ceremony in Kaliningrad marks an important milestone in the implementation of the contract, with the new frigate being another addition to the Indian Navy, strengthening its maritime defense capabilities.
Significance of the visit
Rajnath Singh's visit reflects deepening defense cooperation between India and Russia. It is part of a long-standing defense partnership that includes arms supplies, joint projects and training.