India Considers Enhanced Defense Collaboration with Russia Amid Changing Procurement Strategies

India is exploring the possibility of enhancing defense collaborations with Russia as it reevaluates its arms procurement approach, as reported by Reuters on Tuesday, citing three sources with knowledge of the situation.

A delegation from India’s defense industry made a trip to Moscow on October 29-30, marking the first such visit since Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, according to Reuters.

The discussions included at least six high-ranking officials from prominent Indian state-owned and private enterprises, as well as startups involved in drone technology and military AI.

The agenda reportedly focused on the production of spare components for MiG-29 fighter jets and Russian air defense systems. Russia also suggested establishing facilities in India for the development of equipment intended for future exports to Moscow.

After President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on December 5, both nations announced their intention to transition their defense collaboration towards joint research, co-development, and co-production of advanced defense technologies and systems.

Among the attendees was a senior representative from Bharat Forge, a company that provides parts for rockets and artillery.

Also present was Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defense and Aerospace, along with a delegate from the Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers, according to Reuters’ sources.

However, Adani Group has denied any involvement in the discussions. Neither India’s Defense Ministry nor other firms provided comments on the matter.

An Indian executive mentioned to Reuters that businesses are cautious about deepening ties with Russia due to the potential threat of secondary sanctions, which could complicate existing or future collaborations with Western companies.

Historically, Russia has been a significant supplier of arms to India, one of the largest arms importers globally. In recent years, India has diversified its suppliers and increased domestic production.

Currently, India co-produces missiles and Kalashnikov rifles with Russia, although delays in the supply of AK-203 assembly kits from Russia earlier compelled New Delhi to purchase 73,000 rifles from the United States.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia accounted for 76% of India’s arms imports from 2009 to 2013, but this figure dropped to 36% from 2019 to 2023.