Russia Remains Key Pillar of India’s Defence Arsenal Despite Trump’s Concerns

New Delhi, Mar 10: Despite repeated signals of discomfort from US President Donald Trump over India’s close ties with Moscow, Russia continues to play a central role in New Delhi’s defence architecture.

A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) highlights that India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer between 2021 and 2025, accounting for 8.2 per cent of global arms imports. Russia retained its position as India’s biggest defence supplier during the period.

Although India’s total arms imports declined by about 4 per cent compared with the 2016–20 period, Russia still accounted for roughly 40 per cent of the country’s imports. This share has fallen from around 70 per cent during 2011–15, reflecting India’s efforts to diversify procurement sources, but Moscow continues to remain far ahead of other suppliers.

SIPRI noted that India’s defence imports are largely driven by persistent tensions with China and Pakistan. Regional security challenges and occasional military confrontations have reinforced the country’s need to maintain strong defence capabilities.

According to the report, about 74 per cent of Russia’s arms exports between 2021 and 2025 were directed to just three countries—India, China and Belarus—with India alone accounting for nearly half of the total.

Analysts say New Delhi has gradually broadened its defence partnerships with countries such as France, Israel, the United States and Germany. Recent agreements include a 2025 inter-governmental deal with France for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy along with simulators, weapons systems and logistical support.

The Ministry of Defence has also entered into arrangements with US-based companies, including a contract for wet leasing a KC-135 refuelling aircraft to train Indian Air Force and Navy pilots.

At the same time, India has stepped up its focus on indigenous manufacturing under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The Union Budget for 2026–27 allocated ₹7.85 lakh crore for defence, marking a significant increase from the previous fiscal year. Of this, ₹1.39 lakh crore has been set aside for domestic procurement, with a major portion of the capital acquisition budget reserved for local industries.

Several platforms, including the T-90 tanks and Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, are already produced in India under licence arrangements with Russia. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, developed jointly by the two countries, remains one of the most successful examples of defence collaboration.

Despite diversification efforts, Russian systems still form a substantial part of India’s operational capabilities. The Indian armed forces operate hundreds of Russian origin fighter jets, air defence systems such as the S-400, tanks, submarines and frigates.

Officials have indicated that discussions are ongoing for additional defence platforms, including advanced systems and next-generation fighter aircraft.

Strategic cooperation between the two countries also extends beyond procurement. The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), ratified during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in December 2025, allows both nations to access each other’s military facilities, including naval ports, airfields and logistics infrastructure.

Joint exercises and operational engagements further strengthen the partnership. Military drills such as the INDRA exercise and Russia’s Zapad series have improved interoperability between the armed forces of both countries.

Indian officials maintain that defence procurement decisions are guided by operational requirements rather than geopolitical pressure. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh recently reiterated that India will continue to procure equipment from multiple partners, including Russia, France and the United States, depending on strategic needs.

While global geopolitical shifts and sanctions have reshaped defence trade patterns, the India–Russia partnership continues to evolve through joint research, technology transfers and co-production arrangements.

Experts say this long-standing collaboration spanning weapons platforms, training, logistics and technological development remains a crucial pillar of India’s defence preparedness.