India–Russia Defence Cooperation and Geopolitical Balancing
17.10.2025
India–Russia Defence Cooperation and Geopolitical Balancing
Context
India and Russia share one of the world’s longest defence partnerships built on trust and technological collaboration. Russia remains India’s major arms supplier, but cooperation now focuses on co-production, technology transfer, and research aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat. Yet, U.S. pressure over Russian oil and arms transactions places India in a sensitive strategic position requiring careful balance.
About the Defence Cooperation
Longstanding Partnership:
Dating back to the Cold War, India–Russia defence ties remain strong, with nearly 60–70% of India’s weapon systems of Russian origin.
Evolution of Cooperation:
Partnerships have evolved from purchases to joint ventures such as BrahMos missiles, Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, T-90 tanks, and AK-203 rifles.
Technology Transfer and Indigenous Development:
Russia’s readiness to share critical technologies strengthens India’s defence manufacturing under Make in India and DPEPP, contrasting Western restrictions.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Collaboration
Project Overview:
The AMCA project aims to produce India’s first indigenous Fifth Generation Fighter with stealth and advanced avionics for the IAF.
Russian Involvement:
Russia supports AMCA design, engine, and stealth technology, and proposes local manufacturing to boost India’s aerospace capacity.
Offer of SU-57 Fighters:
Moscow has offered its SU-57 stealth fighters for sale or local production, advancing India’s technological base.
Strategic Implications:
Such collaboration narrows India’s gap with the United States and China in next-generation air capabilities.
Joint Research and Future Areas of Cooperation
Current Projects:
Key ventures include BrahMos missile exports, Su-30MKI upgrades, and T-90 and AK-203 production in India.
Emerging Domains:
Both countries plan cooperation in anti-drone systems, radar, electronic warfare, precision-strike weapons, and naval propulsion.
U.S. Pressure and Energy Diplomacy
Controversy Over Oil Imports:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he influenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop Russian oil purchases, a statement the MEA rejected, affirming India’s independent energy policy.
India’s Energy Strategy:
India continues importing discounted Russian crude for price stability and energy security, guided by national interest.
Political Reactions:
Trump’s remark drew criticism domestically, while China supported India’s stance and accused the U.S. of coercion.
Strategic Balancing: Defence and Diplomacy
U.S. vs. Russia Defence Offers:
The U.S. promotes its F-35 jets over Russia’s SU-57, but India’s choices rest on reliability, cost, and autonomy.
Balancing Act:
India maintains close defence ties with Russia while enhancing cooperation with the U.S., France, and others, ensuring multi-alignment.
Resilient Ties Amid Sanctions:
Despite Western sanctions, Indo-Russian defence projects continue, reflecting strong mutual commitment and operational support.
Way Forward
- Diversified Defence Ecosystem: Strengthen global partnerships while retaining Russian cooperation.
- Technology Co-Development: Expand joint R&D in AI, drones, and cyber defence.
- Energy Independence: Enhance refining and renewable energy capacity.
- Strategic Autonomy Doctrine: Preserve independent decision-making on defence and energy.
- Public Diplomacy: Clarify national interests to counter misinformation.
Conclusion
India’s defence ties with Russia remain central to its strategic framework, defined by technology sharing and mutual reliability. Despite global pressures, India’s policy of strategic autonomy ensures balanced relations with all powers. Joint innovation and indigenous capability building will anchor India’s emergence as a self-reliant and globally respected defence power.