India is charting a new course in its defense procurement strategy, moving away from its longstanding reliance on Russia for military equipment. This significant pivot has led the South Asian nation's government to focus on acquiring advanced military technologies from Western suppliers, particularly those based in the United States and France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration aims to modernize India's armed forces and balance its diplomatic ties, especially amid the backdrop of the Ukraine war and its repercussions on global defense markets.
Recent reports indicate India's arms imports from Russia have dramatically decreased, with only 36% of its military equipment sourced from Moscow last year, falling sharply from 76% just over a decade ago, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This transformation is not just a fleeting trend but part of Modi's broader strategy to reduce dependency on Russian arms supplies.
Senior Indian officials have confirmed plans for joint projects with Russia, such as the development and production of helicopters and advanced fighter jets, have been put on hold. Alongside this, proposals to lease nuclear submarines from Russia for training purposes are also unlikely to materialize. Instead, India is opting to focus on domestic production of naval vessels.
Despite the shift, it's important to note India does have some remaining contracts with Russia. The only outstanding orders include two warships and missile defense batteries placed prior to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While India continues to buy inexpensive Russian oil and offers diplomatic support to the Kremlin, the long-term trend of its military procurement is away from Moscow.
INDIA’S DEFENSE STRATEGY PIVOT
This new strategy aligns with India's efforts to engage with Western defense industries, particularly as the geopolitical tensions rise due to Russia's aggressive policies. The Indian military has increasingly favored Western-origin platforms, as many officials express greater confidence in technology from these sources. Anit Mukherjee, a senior lecturer at King’s College London specializing in Indian military and foreign policy, noted, “India has slowly shifted to Western-origin platforms because the military is increasingly comfortable with such technology.”
Since 2018, India has ramped up its defense collaboration with the United States, with contracts amounting to approximately $20 billion for U.S.-manufactured products. One notable agreement from October involved the acquisition of 31 long-range drones from General Atomics, underscoring the strengthening ties between India and American defense suppliers.
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is also nearing finalization of deals with General Electric to co-develop advanced jet engines. This partnership marks another step toward bolstering India's indigenous defense capabilities and reflects Washington's easing of restrictions for developing nations to access sophisticated military technologies.
CHALLENGES AHEAD
While the shift to U.S. and Western suppliers offers new opportunities, it also presents unique challenges. Russian military equipment, historically perceived as more affordable, often incurs high maintenance costs, leading to questions about long-term financial viability for the Indian armed forces. An Indian defense official remarked, “Russian weapons are often cheaper than Western weapons. But they require more frequent repairs which can be costly over time.”
Despite India’s growing military self-sufficiency and cooperation with Western allies, the nation remains reliant on Russia for specific capabilities, especially concerning nuclear submarines. “Russia remains the only country which offers its nuclear submarines to India,” Mukherjee explained, highlighting the duality of India's defense relationships.
Indeed, the intricacies of these relationships are influenced by multiple factors including geopolitical shifts, technology transfer agreements, and historical alliances. The current situation of decreased Russian arms purchases is also reflective of practical realities, such as the delayed delivery of missile shields and the growing operational challenges faced by Russian defense industries.
Even as India seeks to diversify its defense procurements, the move is underscored by the necessity of maintaining operational readiness against regional threats, particularly from neighbor China. India’s fighter jet fleet, which is of great significance for its national security, faces continuous scrutiny due to its aging inventory and the need for spare parts, primarily sourced from Russia.
The reality remains, as Sushant Singh, a Yale University lecturer on South Asian studies, stated, “These armaments will remain operational for decades, and India will require spare parts and ammunition from Russia for the foreseeable future.” India's overall trend of reducing its arms dependence on Russia mirrors its desire to assert sovereignty over its defense capabilities, ensuring greater self-reliance as it navigates the complex geopolitical environment.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
The forthcoming years will be pivotal for India as it attempts to balance its historical ties with Russia against the backdrop of strengthening relationships with the West. With the dynamics of global defense shifting, India is favoring collaborations with the U.S. and Western nations, not only to modernize its military arsenal but also to create jobs and stimulate domestic defense production.
With significant investments from the United States, India stands at the threshold of what could be described as a new era of defense manufacturing, aimed at lessening its dependency on older Russian technologies. The international defense community is closely watching these developments, recognizing the larger implications for global military alignments and partnerships.
India's decision to pivot from Russian defense supplies is multifaceted, resulting from a combination of strategic interests, shifts in global power dynamics, and the practical necessities of modern warfare. While the groundwork for enhanced defense cooperation has been laid, the full realization of this vision will hinge on how effectively India adapts to its new procurement strategy and navigates the challenges posed by its existing commitments to Russia and its regional security environment.
