MILITARY TIES, S-400 ON MIND, RAJNATH LEAVES FOR RUSSIA

NEWDELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday left for Russia on a three-day visit during which he is likely to press for the timely delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems and discuss ways to further expand bilateral military ties, amid the escalating border row with China.

Singh is primarily visiting Russia to attend the Victory Day parade on June 24 in Moscow to commemorate the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. However, it is learnt that the minister will also discuss regional security scenario and bolstering of overall defence cooperation with Russian leaders.

It is the first visit abroad by a senior union minister in four months, as foreign travels were restricted in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Singh travelled by an Indian Air Force aircraft, while strictly following all safety precautions, officials said.

“Leaving for Moscow on a three-day visit. The visit to Russia will give me an opportunity to hold talks on ways to further deepen the India-Russia defence and strategic partnership. I shall also be attending the 75th Victory Day Parade in Moscow,” Singh tweeted before leaving for Moscow.

“The visit of the defence minister will strengthen the longstanding special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia,” the defence ministry said on Saturday.