India’s Defence Reliance on Russian Equipment Persists Despite Growing US Ties

Despite India’s deepening defence ties with the United States, including significant agreements signed during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Washington D.C., the backbone of India’s military capabilities remains predominantly Russian in origin. This long-standing relationship is far from being overshadowed by the recent pro-American leanings, as Russian technology continues to be crucial in keeping India’s armed forces battle-ready.

Over the past six decades, Russia (and previously the Soviet Union) has been more than just a supplier; it has been a key partner in transferring military technology to India. Unlike the United States, which primarily functions as a seller, Russia has engaged in extensive technology-sharing with India, enabling local production of crucial defense assets. This cooperation is evident in India’s indigenous manufacturing of the T-90 tanks and Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, both of which are mainstays in the Indian Army and Air Force.

One of the most prominent examples of this cooperation is the BrahMos missile, co-developed by India and Russia. This supersonic cruise missile, now exported to other countries, is deployed across the Indian Navy’s frontline warships, with a range extending beyond 300 kilometers, thanks to India's entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The missile plays a vital role in India’s defense strategy, particularly as a land-attack option in times of crisis.

Russia’s assistance has also been critical in India’s nuclear capabilities. Moscow played a vital role in guiding Indian engineers to miniaturize nuclear reactors, which eventually powered India’s first indigenous nuclear submarine, the INS Arihant. Additionally, Russia converted the Admiral Gorshkov warship into the INS Vikramaditya, a 45,000-tonne aircraft carrier that now serves as a key asset for the Indian Navy. Furthermore, the S-400 Triumf air defense system, a recent acquisition from Russia, bolsters India’s air defense against long-range threats.

The enduring India-Russia relationship is rooted in history, dating back to the Cold War when India officially remained non-aligned but leaned heavily towards the Soviet Union. The 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation laid the foundation for this strategic partnership. The partnership deepened over the years, with Russia emerging as India’s largest defense supplier for over three decades. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has consistently been the world’s largest arms importer, with Russia being its top supplier.

India’s strategic dependence on Russian defense systems has also led to New Delhi’s diplomatic maneuvering to avoid US sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Despite pressure from Washington, India remains committed to its defense ties with Russia, which extend beyond mere purchases to include extensive technology transfers and joint production.

Russia’s flexibility and willingness to provide critical weapons and technologies have solidified its role in India’s defense infrastructure. For instance, India has twice leased nuclear-powered submarines from Russia, once in the 1980s and again in 2012. These submarines have been integral to India’s maritime operations and underwater capabilities.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) heavily relies on Russian-origin platforms such as MiG-29 fighter jets, Mi-17 helicopters, and transport aircraft like the IL-76 and AN-32, which are crucial for operations in challenging terrains like the Himalayas. While the US has supplied India with high-tech equipment, such as C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Super Hercules, and P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, these acquisitions came without the technology transfers that Russia has consistently provided.

In the Indian Army, while the US-supplied M777 howitzers are deployed, the AK-203 rifles, co-produced with Russia, continue to be a significant addition to the infantry’s arsenal.

As India expands its defense partnerships, particularly with the United States, it remains clear that its operational readiness and strategic autonomy are still deeply intertwined with Russian defense technologies.