“The pandemic, the extraordinary militarization, and expansion of armament in our neighbourhood and the completely unprovoked aggression on our northern border since early summer of 2020 have thrown up several challenges,” Rajnath Singh said.
On Monday Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a talk with his Russian Counterpart Gen. Sergey Shoigu. The Defence Minister said India is wrestling with challenges arising from the “extraordinary militarisation” of its neighbourhood and “unprovoked aggression” on the northern border.
The Defence Minister didn’t name any country during his inaugural India-Russia 2+2 dialogue of defence and foreign ministers. But there was suspicion that the Minister was referring to China in his televised opening remarks. Since May 2020 Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a face-off in the Ladakh sector and numerous reports have emerged of Beijing bolstering military facilities all along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
“The pandemic, the extraordinary militarization and expansion of armament in our neighbourhood, and the completely unprovoked aggression on our northern border since early summer of 2020 have thrown in several challenges,” Mr. Singh said at the meeting aimed at boosting strategic partnership between the two nations.
“India is confident of overcoming these challenges with its strong political will and inherent capability of its people. Recognizing that its development needs are colossal and that its defence challenges are legitimate, real and immediate, India seeks partners who are sensitive and responsive to India’s expectations and requirements,” he added at the meeting with Sergey Shoygu, under the framework of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation.
“Recognising that its development needs are colossal and that its defence challenges are legitimate, real and immediate, India seeks partners who are sensitive and responsive to India’s expectations and requirements,” he added.
Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister said that the new 2+2 mechanism will enhance the traditional understanding and assist in reinforcing the bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership.
“Both Russia and India have a similar worldview of a more polycentric, more multipolar, more equitable world order. We advocate similar or identical positions on the most important political and military issues,” he said.
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