Qingdao: Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov on Thursday highlighted Moscow's ties with New Delhi amid talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

According to Anadolu Agency, Belousov emphasized the strategic partnership between Russia and India, acknowledging India as a traditional friend and a significant partner in military and military-technical spheres. This statement was made during discussions with Singh, which occurred alongside the SCO Defense Ministers Meeting in Qingdao, China.

The Russian ministry statement on Telegram relayed Belousov's condolences regarding the recent crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the loss of 241 of the 242 passengers. Additionally, Belousov expressed gratitude for the participation of an Indian delegation in the 80th anniversary of Victory Day celebrations held in Moscow on May 9.

Both defense ministers were in China to attend the SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting, which took place the previous day. The SCO, established in 2001, is an inter-governmental organization consisting of 10 member states, including China, Russia, India, and others. Defense ministers from all member states gathered in Qingdao for the summit.