Archive · 11 Dec 2025
India-Russia Defence Partnership Faces Challenges Amid Diversification
India and Russia have been close defence partners for a long time, with Russia supplying many weapons to India.
They have worked together to make and improve weapons like tanks, fighter jets, and missiles.
However, there are some challenges now.
Russia is busy with the war in Ukraine and needs to focus on its own military.
India is also looking to buy weapons from other countries.
Despite these challenges, both countries are still working together on important defence projects, like the S-400 missile systems and new fighter jets.
They are also discussing ways to make more weapons together in India.
India and Russia have a long history of defence cooperation since the 1960s, with Russia being a major arms supplier to India.
Key weapons in India's arsenal from Russia include Su-30 fighter jets, T-72/T-90 tanks, and the BrahMos missiles.
Recent developments include the procurement of S-400 surface-to-air missiles and discussions on the Su-57 jet deal.
Challenges to the partnership include Russia's focus on its own defence needs due to the Ukraine war and India's diversification policy.
Both countries continue to work together on maintenance, upgrades, and technology transfer, with Russia offering localisation of production.
- Who
- India and Russia
- What
- Defence partnership facing challenges due to diversification and Ukraine war
- When
- Historical cooperation since 1960s, current challenges ongoing
- Where
- India and Russia
- Why
- India's need for maintenance and upgrades, Russia's focus on its own defence needs
- Historical Context
- Defence cooperation since the 1960s, with USSR as major arms supplier
- Key Weapons
- Su-30s, T-72/T-90 tanks, BrahMos missiles, S-400 systems
- Current Challenges
- Ukraine war, India's diversification, supply delays
- Recent Developments
- S-400 missile procurement, Su-57 jet deal discussions
- Strategic Importance
- Maintenance, upgrades, technology transfer, localisation