Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India with a large delegation. The visit is scheduled for December 4th to 5th. Defence Minister Belousov is accompanying him. Belousov is one of Putin's close associates.

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India from December 4-5 with a large delegation, including Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. This includes officials from Rosoboronexport, the company that handles Russia's arms exports. Russia accounts for 38 percent of India's arms imports from other countries.

The two countries' defense ministers will meet separately.
According to reports, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will meet with his Russian counterpart separately. This meeting is scheduled to take place in Delhi's South Block. During this meeting, Andrei Belousov will be saluted by a joint contingent of the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, and Navy) on the South Block lawns.

Belousov is Putin's most trusted confidante
. Belousov is an economist. Last year, upon assuming power for the fifth time in Russia in 2024, Putin reshuffled his cabinet and appointed him to the Defense Ministry. In fact, due to the Ukraine war, Russia's defense budget was steadily increasing. This is why Putin removed his confidant and military commander, Sergei Shoigu, from the Defense Ministry and appointed him Secretary of the Security Council (NSA).

Belousov,
who served as Putin's economic advisor and Deputy Prime Minister (2020-24), is believed to have played a significant role in Russia's economic stability despite the Ukrainian war and numerous Western sanctions. This is why Putin entrusted Belousov with the responsibility of a crucial department like the Defense Ministry.

Stronger Defense Ties with India
Putin has accompanied Belousov on his visit to India due to his strong defense ties with India. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh himself expressed his concerns to Belousov regarding the delay in the delivery of the S-400 missile system. Furthermore, India currently needs 300 additional S-400 missiles from Russia.

Putin's media advisor, Dmitry Peskov,
recently offered Indian journalists the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet. India also wants the nuclear submarine it has signed a contract with Russia to be delivered by 2027. Russia wants to deliver this submarine by 2028. Peskov is also part of Putin's delegation visiting India.