NEW DELHI: India’s longstanding defence partnership with Russia is shifting towards manufacturing and developing military equipment together, even as New Delhi buys a smaller share of its imported weapons from Moscow.
The changing relationship came into focus this month when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi on September 11. The two leaders reviewed cooperation in defence and other sectors on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, according to the Indian government. No new defence contract was announced following the meeting.
India’s army chief, General Dhiraj Seth, subsequently visited Russia from September 16 to 18. His programme included discussions with Russian military officials on training and defence cooperation, as well as a meeting with a deputy defence minister responsible for industry and procurement.
Russia remains India’s largest source of imported major weapons, but its share has declined. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates that Russia accounted for 40 percent of Indian arms imports in 2021–25, down from 51 percent in 2016–20. France and Israel accounted for 29 percent and 15 percent respectively in the more recent period.
At the same time, India and Russia already have joint manufacturing projects. Their BrahMos missile venture produces missiles in India, while a separate joint venture was established to manufacture AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian armed forces. A bilateral military technical cooperation agreement covering 2021–31 also includes joint research, development and production.
In an analysis published this week, Geopolitical Monitor argued that India’s growing defence industry could give New Delhi greater influence over future deals with Russia, particularly on local production and technology sharing. It also identified further missile and armoured vehicle cooperation as possibilities. Those proposals should be distinguished from contracts the two governments have confirmed.
The figures point to a relationship that remains substantial but is changing in form: Russia is still India’s leading arms supplier, while India is expanding domestic production and sourcing more of its imported weapons from other countries. (Source: geopoliticalmonitor)
