Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met with Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aamir Hatami. According to information received from the Defense Minister’s Office, the meeting was “extremely meaningful”. . This is the first visit by an Indian defense minister to Iran after the death of General Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s top military officer. Rajnath tweeted that he had a “very meaningful” meeting with Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aamir Hatami in Tehran.

During the meeting, issues related to enhancing bilateral relations and regional security including Afghanistan were discussed at length.

We discussed regional security and bilateral cooperation, including Afghanistan. “Rajnath said in another tweet, “The two defense ministers discussed advancing bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional security issues, including peace and stability in Afghanistan.” He said that the meeting of the two ministers took place in a very “cordial and warm atmosphere”.

The two leaders emphasized centuries-old cultural, linguistic, and civilizational ties between India and Iran. Rajnath singh said that India is concerned about the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support local government efforts for peace.

Rajnath Singh visited the Russian capital Moscow to attend a joint meeting of defense ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Singh held talks with defense ministers and top military officials of several countries including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan during the three-day visit to Russia.

Rajnath  also held bilateral talks in Moscow with counterparts in Russian, Chinese, and Central Asian countries. In a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe, Rajnath said that it is important that China along with the Indian side withdraw troops from all deadlocked areas including Pangong Lake as soon as possible. He said that unilateral efforts should not be made to change the status quo.