Despite defence being a traditional pillar of India–Russia cooperation, the subject received visibly restrained treatment at this year’s summit, an approach that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri acknowledged while speaking to media persons after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin.

Misri confirmed that defence issues were discussed, but emphasised that the leaders largely confined themselves to broad assessments rather than new commitments.

“There was a general discussion on the robustness and longstanding nature of the India–Russia defence and technical cooperation,” he said, noting that much of the conversation focused on “legacy cooperation” and Russia’s participation in ongoing Make in India initiatives.

“For the specifics,” he stated, “you

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