General Dhiraj Seth, the Indian Army chief, is in Russia for an official visit. His schedule runs from 16 to 18 September 2026, with defense partnership, training, professional military cooperation and developments in military technology at the center of the agenda.
The visit is designed to build on the long-running defense relationship between India and Russia. Across Moscow and St Petersburg, the meetings are intended to give practical direction to cooperation between the two armies rather than limit the trip to ceremonial engagements.
Senior military leaders to discuss cooperation
Colonel General Andrey Nikolayevich Mordvichev, who leads Russia's Land Forces as Commander-in-Chief, will hold talks with General Dhiraj Seth in Moscow.
The discussion will cover military issues important to both countries. Professional cooperation and training plans will form a major part of the exchange.
General Seth is also scheduled to meet senior officials from Russia's Ministry of Defence, including Deputy Defense Minister Vasily Sergeyevich Osmakov.
Defense industry and procurement issues will be discussed alongside current military developments. The two sides will also examine ways to expand defense cooperation, including matters linked to military technology.
Moscow itinerary adds a control-center visit and tribute
The Moscow itinerary includes a visit to the National Defense Control Center, giving the Indian Army chief a closer look at Russia's defense control system.
During the formal reception in the capital, a guard of honour will be presented to General Seth. The ceremony will fulfill the military protocol attached to the official visit.
After the reception, he will go to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow and pay tribute to fallen soldiers. This stop places remembrance of martyred service members within the wider diplomatic and military agenda.
St Petersburg visit brings military education into focus
General Dhiraj Seth will travel to St Petersburg in the next part of his itinerary. A visit to the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy is scheduled there.
At the academy, he will speak with senior officials and teachers. Both sides will present their views on military training methods and professional cooperation.
The meeting creates a direct channel between military education institutions. It is expected to help carry training and professional cooperation forward at an institutional level.
A push for deeper army-to-army cooperation
The defense ministry has linked the program to the continuity of bilateral military diplomacy. It also highlights the importance being given to army-to-army cooperation.
The meetings in Moscow and St Petersburg are intended to deepen the defense partnership. They are expected to give the long-running India-Russia defense relationship a new basis and help shape a more structured framework for future military cooperation.
