Indo-Russian Defence Ties Bound to Grow Manifold

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has described the outcome of the 8th Meeting of IRIGC-MTC in New Delhi on Monday as 'a landmark event in the close and strategic bilateral relations between India and Russia'. Speaking at a banquet hosted by him in honour of the visiting Russian Defence Minister Mr Anatoly Serdyukov here last night, Shri Antony said the Meeting, as in previous years, discussed issues relating to regional and global peace and security.

"This is an important event not only between the Defence Ministries of the two countries but also a landmark event in our close and strategic bilateral relations and an important step in maintaing regional and global peace and security", he said.

Shri Antony expressed confidence that the defence relations between India and Russia are bound to grow manifold and called for evolving a holistic defence partnership.

"Given the warmth of the cordiality and complete understanding between the leadership of both our countries, I have no doubt that our defence relations are bound to grow manifold. We need to work towards developing a mutually beneficial defence relationship which is holistic in content and scope."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Serdyukov echoed the sentiments expressed by Shri Antony. He expressed satisfaction at the grounds covered at the Meeting of the IRIGC-MTC though his visit to New Delhi was a short one.

The Russian Defence Minister has since returned to Moscow.