India is significantly reducing its reliance on Russian arms and increasingly turning towards Western suppliers, marking a major shift in its defence policy.
This strategic realignment reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to diversify India's defence partnerships and reduce its dependence on Moscow, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia's growing ties with China.
Joint Projects Shelved, Orders Reduced
According to senior Indian officials, plans for joint development and manufacturing of helicopters and advanced fighter jets with Russia have been put on hold. A proposal to lease a nuclear-powered submarine from Russia for training purposes is also unlikely to proceed as India focuses on building its own vessels.Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) highlights this trend. In 2023, only 36% of India's arms imports came from Russia, a sharp decline from 76% in 2009. This decrease in Russian arms purchases underscores India's efforts to diversify its defence procurement.
Strengthening US and French Defence Ties
This shift has benefited US and French defence companies, with India now buying more from Western suppliers and collaborating with them on domestic weapons development. Since 2018, India has signed contracts worth nearly $20 billion for US-made defence products, including a recent $3 billion deal for 31 long-range drones from General Atomics.Furthermore, India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and General Electric Co. are close to finalizing an agreement for joint production of advanced jet engines for India's next generation of light-combat aircraft. This collaboration, agreed upon during Modi's US visit last year, highlights the deepening defence ties between the two countries.
Factors Driving the Shift
Several factors contribute to India's move away from Russian arms. While Russian weapons are often cheaper upfront, they may require more frequent repairs, impacting their long-term cost-effectiveness.Additionally, the war in Ukraine has exposed limitations in Russia's defence industry, including delays in fulfilling existing orders. India is also wary of Russia's growing reliance on Chinese electronics for its defence equipment.
Balancing Act and Future Outlook
Despite this shift, Russia remains India's largest supplier of military hardware, primarily due to the need for spare parts to maintain its existing arsenal of Russian-origin equipment. This dependence is expected to continue for decades as India gradually phases out older platforms.India's move away from Russian arms reflects a broader effort to balance its relationships with Russia and the West. While Russia remains a crucial supplier of affordable equipment and a diplomatic partner, the US and France are playing an increasingly important role in supporting India's defence modernization and domestic manufacturing ambitions.
This evolving dynamic underscores India's strategic autonomy and its determination to secure its defence needs through diversified partnerships. While the shift away from Russian arms is significant, the long-term trajectory of India's defence cooperation with both Russia and the West will continue to be shaped by geopolitical considerations and evolving national interests.
