Made-in-India Microgravity Experiments: Shubhanshu Shukla ISS Docking
Shubhanshu Shukla docks with the ISS aboard Axiom-4. Explore seven indigenously-developed experiments embodying Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao on 26 June 2025, India's Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov, for in-depth talks covering defence cooperation, regional security, and cross-border terrorism.
Key outcomes of their bilateral meeting include:
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S-400 air defence system: Russia pledged to expedite the delivery of remaining squadrons, with full handover expected by 2026-27.
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Su-30TKI upgrades: A renewed agreement to modernize India's fleet, ensuring advanced air-to-air fighter capability.
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Critical hardware procurement: Plans to fast-track acquisition of missiles, modernization kits, and other defence equipment in streamlined timeframes.
The meeting, held against the strategic backdrop of Operation Sindoor, emphasized the need for increased production capacity in air defence, missile systems, and upgraded air platforms.
Russia reaffirmed its solidarity over India's response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack of 22 April 2025, calling it "horrendous and cowardly".
Additionally, both ministers discussed broader geopolitical challenges, particularly terrorism-with India pushing strongly for accountability of states offering safe havens to extremist groups.
This strategic dialogue follows India's refusal to endorse the SCO joint communique due to inadequate acknowledgment of terrorism and related regional security threats.
India and Russia continue to evolve their defence partnership-from equipment supply to joint research and co-production-highlighted by projects like licensed production of T-90 tanks, Kamov helicopters, S-400 air defence systems, and Project Kusha (India's own missile shield).
