COAS General Seth embarks on three-day Russia visit to strengthen defence ties

New Delhi. General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), is on an official visit to Russia from 16 to 18 September 2026, aimed at further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership and military-to-military cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, the COAS will receive a ceremonial Guard of Honour and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers at ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ at Moscow. He will be holding discussions with Colonel General Andrei Nikolayevich Mordvichev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces, on issues of mutual interest, including professional military cooperation and training.

The COAS will be visiting the National Defence Control Centre in Moscow and interact with senior officials of the Russian Ministry of Defence, including Mr Vasily Sergeyevich Osmakov, Deputy Minister of Defence, dealing with defence industry and procurement. The engagements will provide an opportunity to exchange perspectives on contemporary military developments and avenues for enhancing defence cooperation.

As part of the visit, General Dhiraj Seth will also travel to Saint Petersburg, where he will visit the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy and interact with its leadership and faculty.

The visit reflects the importance attached by both countries to sustained military diplomacy and Army-to-Army engagement. The interactions are expected to further deepen military cooperation and reinforce the enduring defence relationship between India and Russia.