Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Indian Arms Makers Discuss Joint Ventures with Russia
Indian arms companies had meetings in Russia to talk about working together.
They discussed making parts for fighter jets and other military equipment.
This is important because India wants to make its own weapons instead of buying them.
However, there are risks because of sanctions and political issues.
The Indian government is trying to change its old defence ties with Russia to focus on making new weapons together.
Some companies, like Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, were part of these talks.
But there are concerns about the risks of working with Russia, especially because of the war in Ukraine.
Indian arms makers held rare meetings in Russia to discuss potential joint ventures and manufacturing collaborations.
Key participants included Adani Defence, Bharat Forge, and Kalyani Group, among others.
The meetings discussed manufacturing spares for Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jets and other Russian-origin systems.
India aims to reorient its defence ties with Russia to focus on joint development and manufacturing of advanced defence technology.
There are risks of secondary sanctions and political issues that could affect new deals with Russia.
- Who
- Executives from top Indian arms makers, including Adani Defence, Bharat Forge, and Kalyani Group
- What
- Discussions on potential joint ventures and manufacturing collaborations with Russia
- When
- October 29-30, 2023, with follow-up meetings in December 2023
- Where
- Moscow, Russia
- Why
- To explore opportunities for joint development and manufacturing of defence equipment, aligning with India's goal of self-reliance in defence
Pro-Collaboration
Anti-Collaboration
Sanctions and Political Risks
Pro-Collaboration
Collaboration with Russia is necessary for India's defence self-reliance and can be managed carefully to avoid sanctions.
Anti-Collaboration
Collaboration with Russia poses significant risks of secondary sanctions and political backlash, especially from Western nations.
- Key Participants
- Adani Defence, Bharat Forge, Kalyani Group, Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers
- Meeting Location
- Moscow, Russia
- Meeting Dates
- October 29-30, 2023
- Potential Collaborations
- Manufacturing spares for Mikoyan MiG-29, air defence systems, weapon systems, and production units in India
- Indian Government Goal
- Joint development of weapons and reorientation of defence ties with Russia
- Risk Factors
- Potential secondary sanctions and political risks
- Russian Proposal
- Setting up production units in India for equipment that could be exported to Moscow
- Indian Military's Russian-Origin Arms
- About 36%
Sources
Top Indian arms makers held rare meetings in Russia on potential joint ventures, sources say
Adani Defence, Bharat Forge and other top Indian arms makers held rare Russia meetings on joint ventures
Top Indian defence firms held rare meetings in Russia; something big in store?
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