Rajnath Singh discusses S-400 systems with Russian Defence Minister in China

The meeting between the two leaders occurred just days after India and Pakistan were engaged in a conflict following a deadly attack on tourists by Islamabad-backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam city.

The Indian Ministry of Defence said in a statement: "It was one of the most important recent meetings between the leaders of the two nations, being held in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor and the consequent necessity of augmenting defence production, especially in critical items such as air defence, air-to-air missiles, modern capabilities, and upgrades of air platforms."

Speaking on the meeting, Singh wrote on X: "Happy to have met the Defence Minister of Russia, Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao. We had insightful deliberations on boosting India-Russia defence ties."

Singh met his Russian counterpart on Thursday.

 The two Ministers held in-depth discussions on a range of subjects covering current geopolitical situations, cross-border terrorism and Indo-Russian defence cooperation, the statement said.

The Russian Defence Minister highlighted the long-standing Indo-Russian relations which have stood the test of time and expressed solidarity with India on the horrendous and cowardly terrorist act of 22nd April in Pahalgham, Jammu and Kashmir.