Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Dhiraj Seth, has embarked on an official visit to Russia from 16 to 18 September 2026. 

The visit aims at further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership and military-to-military cooperation between the two countries, the Defence Ministry said today.

Upon his arrival, the COAS will receive a ceremonial Guard of Honour and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers at ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ at Moscow.  

During his visit, the Army Chief will be holding discussions with the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces, Colonel General Andrei Nikolayevich Mordvichev, 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 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, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

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,” the official statement added.