Chief of the Army Staff, General Dhiraj Seth, arrived in St. Petersburg on Wednesday for a three‑day official visit aimed at strengthening the long‑standing defence partnership between India and Russia. The first stop was the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy, where Seth met faculty to discuss artillery training and modernisation. He was given the unique honour of firing the traditional cannon at the historic Peter and Paul Fortress.
The Indian Army posted the visit on X, noting that the COAS had “been accorded the unique honour of firing the traditional cannon at the Peter and Paul Fortress.” The posts also mentioned that the visit provided an opportunity to interact with academy staff on training methodologies and the modernisation of artillery, underscoring the importance of institutional exchanges and the sharing of best practices.
Seth’s itinerary also included meetings with Russian Defence officials. In Moscow he met Deputy Minister of Defence, General Yunus‑Bek Yevkurov, and discussed ways to deepen joint capability development, professional military exchanges and increased engagements between the two armed forces. He also met Indian Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, to talk about bilateral cooperation and measures to deepen defence ties. Earlier that day, the COAS received a ceremonial Guard of Honour and paid homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Ministry of Defence said the visit demonstrates the commitment of both countries to sustained military diplomacy and Army‑to‑Army engagement. It is expected to further deepen military cooperation and reinforce the enduring defence relationship between India and Russia.
