Despite increasing competition from the United States, France, and Israel, Russia remains confident in its enduring position within India's defense market, emphasizing its commitment to technology transfer and cost-effective solutions. This was the core message conveyed by Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, in a recent interview.
In an exclusive interview with News18 on February 28, 2025, Ambassador Alipov highlighted the long-standing and robust defense partnership between Russia and India. While acknowledging India's growing "Make in India" initiative, which encourages domestic defense production and diversification of suppliers, Alipov emphasized the deep roots of Indo-Russian collaboration, including decades of joint production and technology transfers. Russia intends to remain competitive within this evolving landscape.
Ambassador Alipov stated that Russian or Soviet-origin systems comprise a significant portion of India's military hardware. He estimated that these systems make up over 50% of India's overall weaponry, and in some sectors, such as armored vehicles and fighter aircraft, the figure rises to as high as 90%.
"We have a very solid presence in this market and are prepared to compete. We have very strong positions in the Indian markets," Alipov told News18, referencing Russia's historical role as a key partner even before the recent emphasis on "Make in India."
A prime example of this successful partnership is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Established in 1998, this joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia has become a symbol of Indo-Russian defense cooperation. The BrahMos missile is largely manufactured in India.
According to Alipov, there is substantial interest in the Brahmos missile from other countries, and work is currently underway to develop a hypersonic version, further increasing its strategic importance. The BrahMos, which can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land, exemplifies the successful transfer of technology (ToT) that Russia emphasizes.
Further illustrating the depth of the partnership are other significant projects. These include the licensed production in India of nearly 1,000 T-90 tanks and 300 Su-30 MKI fighter jets, with localization levels reportedly between 70% and 90%.
The Indo-Russia Rifles joint venture, manufacturing AK-203 assault rifles at a facility in Uttar Pradesh, is another key example. These initiatives not only enhance India's military strength but also contribute to its self-reliance goals by promoting domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Alipov acknowledged India's commitment to the "Make in India" program, which aims to boost domestic defense production. "India is interested in the Make In India program and is focused on the equipment being produced domestically. For this, India is ready to cooperate with all parties, including Russia," he said.
This has led India to engage with a wider range of suppliers, including the United States, France, and Israel, in addition to its long-standing relationship with Russia, as it seeks to modernize its military and decrease reliance on imports.
India's defense market represents a substantial commercial opportunity of any defence company. According to SIPRI, India was the world's largest arms importer between 2019 and 2023. With a defense budget of $81 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25 and projected acquisitions exceeding $130 billion by 2030, India is a highly attractive market for global defense companies.
However, Alipov stressed Russia's competitive advantage: "India is free to buy defence equipment and weapons from other suppliers as well. It is clear that US equipment is considerably more expensive than Russian products."
The Ambassador pointed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as evidence of the effectiveness of Russian military technology. "The exceptional quality of our products, including planes, unmanned aerial vehicles, and much more, has been shown, while the prices are significantly lower," Alipov stated.
This combination of cost-effectiveness and a willingness to share technology, often referred to as Transfer of Technology (ToT), gives Russia a distinct advantage compared to Western suppliers, who typically have higher prices and more restrictive export regulations.
While Russia holds a dominant position, India's efforts to diversify its defense procurement are changing the landscape. The United States has become a significant supplier, with notable deals including the sale of Apache and Chinook helicopters (worth approximately $3.5 billion) and a $4 billion agreement for MQ-9B drones in 2023.
France has also secured contracts for Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines. Israel is another key partner, supplying drones and missile defense systems.
However, Russia's existing infrastructure in India, including established networks for spare parts and training programs, along with its lower costs, provides a unique and enduring advantage.
