A delegation of senior officers from the prestigious National Defence College, New Delhi visited Russia from 21 May to 27 May, 2011. The delegation comprised of officers from India, Egypt, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and USA. During the visit to Russia, the officers met senior Russian officials and experts to get a first hand knowledge of the contemporary issues facing Russia.
The delegation called on the Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Ajai Malhotra who shared his views and experiences of Russia. The delegation was briefed by H.E. Mr Zamir Kabulov, Russian Presidential envoy on Afghanistan in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Russia’s stance on the situation in Afghanistan. A briefing was also organized at the Upper House of the Russian Parliament with Mr VA Ozerov, Chairman Defence and Security Committee of the Council of Federation. Mr Ruslan Pukhov, Director Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies briefed the delegation on the reforms in the armed forces of the Russian Federation.
The delegation visited the facilities of Kamov helicopters and Northern Shipyard (Svernaya Verf) in St Petersburg to get an insight into the prowess of the Russian military industrial establishment. During the visit to the Northern Shipyard in St Petersburg, the General Director of Northern Shipyard Mr Baltiysky Zavod Andrey Fomichev met the delegation members.
The delegation also visited the Russian General Staff Academy. Its deputy chief, Lt Gen Tuchkov conducted the delegation on a visit of its facilities, and gave a briefing on the Academy.
The delegation’s itinerary also included visits to cultural centres such as the Kremlin, Hermitage museum, Peterhoff and witnessing a performance of the Swan Lake ballet.
Delegations from the National Defence College have earlier visited Russia in 2004 and 2007. The latest visit will assist in forming and shaping the image of Russia, its strengths and capabilities in the minds of senior officers due for appointments in higher defence structures of India besides cementing the cultural and historical ties between the two countries.
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