Shortly after his arrival in Moscow, Mr Fernandes was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Poklonnaya Gora where a complex of monuments built to mark the 50th anniversary of victory in World War-II is situated. The next day, Defence Minister,
Mr George Fernandes had detailed discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov and the Defence Minister, Igor Sergeyev. During the meetings, both sides recalled the close friendship that existed between the two countries, which had reflected itself in various areas including military-technical cooperation in the defence sector. These meetings would serve as a precursor to the forthcoming visit of President Putin to India in October this year. The two sides discussed various aspects of their bilateral relations and resolved that the forthcoming visit of the Russian President would mark an important milestone.

The two sides also decided to raise the level of the institutionalised mechanism of defence cooperation between the two countries by setting up a Joint Commissioner on Military-Technical Cooperation at the ministerial level. The Commission will be co-chaired by the Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mr Klebanov. This significant step is aimed at imparting greater impetus to military cooperation between the two countries and to facilitate accelerated decision-making. The Commission will have two working groups - one co-chaired by Defence Secretary and his counterpart and the other by Secretary (Defence Production) and his counterpart.

The important issues discussed between the two sides included areas related to the acquisition of new modern weapon systems and platforms which would significantly enhance the capability of India’s Armed Forces. In this context, the two sides decided to intensify their bilateral cooperation in future.

They also had a detailed exchange of views on regional and international issues. The meetings focussed upon the menace of international terrorism and religious extremism that had emerged as destabilizers in several parts of the world. The two sides reiterated their resolve to draw the attention of the international community towards destabilizing forces and the need for assessing them in the correct perspective.

In the meeting with the Russian Defence Minister, Marshal Igor Sergeyev, a detailed review of bilateral cooperation was undertaken and satisfaction was expressed at the present level of progress. Both sides agreed that relations between India and Russia were developing in the right direction. The Defence Minister laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers by the walls of the historical Kremlin. An impressive guard of honour was presented. After this, the Minister, accompanied by the delegation, visited the Enterprise NPO Mashinostrojenje and acquainted himself with the possibilities for cooperation in the field of space research.

The Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes, also called on President Putin and held wide-ranging discussions covering bilateral, regional and international issues. The meeting marked yet another event reinforcing the intrinsic strength of Indo-Russia relations. During the discussions, issues concerning international terrorism and its adverse effect on the peaceful socio-economic development of all countries were brought into focus.

The need for the international community to come together and adhere to the principles of international law and the principles of the UN Charter was emphasised. In this context, there was a coincidence of assessments between India and Russia on the developments in Sierra Leone and Fiji. An emphasis was put on the need to further develop cooperation in all sectors between India and Russia. The need to identify new opportunities for expanding this cooperation was stressed. The importance of maintaining the prevailing system of strategic stability was highlighted during the discussions. The characteristic quality of Indo-Russia relations was aptly reflected in President Putin’s observations when he stated that he was the "greatest friend" of India.

The Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes had an extensive tour of the War Museum where he appreciated the immense sacrifice made by the people of Russia during the Great Patriotic War. The Museum is located over a vast area at Poklonnaya Gora and is an impressive monument to the great victory achieved by the people of Russia 55 years ago. After the meeting with President Putin, the Defence Minister accompanied by his delegation visited Zhukovsky to witness an aerobatic display of the SU-30 MKI aircraft.

In keeping with the significant bilateral strategic relations and military-technical cooperation, a Protocol was signed by Defence Secretary, Mr TR Prasad and first Deputy Defence Minister of Russia, Mr N Mikhailov in the presence of the Defence Ministers of the two countries. The Protocol reflects the will of the two countries to further strengthen their cooperation in the defence and strategic fields. In particular, the two sides resolved to contain and eliminate the scourge of terrorism. The Protocol also covers a wide range of military-technical cooperation as well as cooperation in military research and development.

In St Petersburg, Mr Fernandes was welcomed by the Commander of the St Petersburg Military District, the oldest military district in Russia. This meeting was followed by a visit to the Hermitage, the world famous museum of the arts. The Defence Minister then proceeded on a visit to the Central Design Bureau "Rubin", a well-established company for the design of naval ships and submarines. Mr Fernandes also visited the Baltic Shipyard where frigates for the Indian Navy have been built. He also visited the Admiralty Shipyard where submarines of the Indian Navy are constructed and refitted. The Defence Minister, Mr Fernandes departed from St Petersburg for his return journey to India.

The visit of Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes to Russia reaffirmed the traditionally close relationship between India and Russia and clearly reflected the political will of the leadership of the two countries to raise their level of defence and strategic ties to a higher level. The discussions between Mr Fernandes and the Russian political leadership brought about a stronger resolve to contain and eliminate the international scourge of terrorism in all its manifestations and a reiteration of support to India in its bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. There was also an appreciation of India’s role as a force for stability and peace both at regional and global level and Russia’s determination to aid and assist India in taking its rightful place among the community of nations.