Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth has embarked on an official three-day visit to Russia from September 16 to 18, 2026, with the primary objective of strengthening the longstanding defence partnership and military-to-military cooperation between India and Russia. The visit includes a formal ceremonial Guard of Honour in Moscow and tribute payment at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier'.
General Seth is scheduled to hold substantive discussions with Colonel General Andrei Nikolayevich Mordvichev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces, focusing on issues of mutual interest including professional military cooperation and training programs. The itinerary includes a visit to the National Defence Control Centre in Moscow where General Seth will interact with senior officials of the Russian Ministry of Defence, including Mr Vasily Sergeyevich Osmakov, Deputy Minister of Defence responsible for defence industry and procurement matters.
The engagements are designed to facilitate exchange of perspectives on contemporary military developments and identify specific avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. As part of the visit, General Seth will also travel to Saint Petersburg to visit the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy, where he will interact with the institution's leadership and faculty members.
The visit represents the continued importance both countries attach to sustained military diplomacy and Army-to-Army engagement, with expected outcomes including further deepening of military cooperation and reinforcement of the enduring defence relationship between India and Russia.