In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Russia continues to be a favored defence partner for India, largely due to its willingness to share advanced military technology and support local production.
Unlike many Western nations, particularly those in NATO, who often prioritize the sale of finished defence products, Russia has actively pursued joint development and technology transfer agreements with India.
This approach has been crucial in supporting India's drive for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a key element of its "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.
Alexey Leonkov, a military analyst and editor at Sputnik India, highlights Russia's openness to technology transfer as a key differentiator. This has facilitated the domestic production of critical defence platforms like the T-90S Bhishma main battle tank, the Su-30MKI multirole fighter, and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Leonkov contrasts this with the approach of many Western nations, which often restrict technology sharing, thereby hindering India's ability to independently manufacture and maintain its defence systems.
The robust strategic partnership between India and Russia has fostered successful joint ventures and technology sharing agreements, leading to significant localization of defence manufacturing in India.
This cooperation extends beyond the production of equipment to encompass technology for maintenance, upgrades, and production processes, ensuring India's long-term sustainment capabilities.
Several flagship projects exemplify the depth of Russia's commitment to co-development and technology transfer:
- BrahMos Missile: A shining example of Indo-Russian collaboration, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, developed by BrahMos Aerospace (a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia), is a highly versatile weapon system deployed across land, sea, and air platforms. The BrahMos project not only showcases technological co-development but has also enabled India to become a missile exporter.
- T-90S Bhishma Tank: The T-90S Bhishma, an Indian adaptation of the T-90 tank, forms the backbone of the Indian Army's armored corps. Through technology transfer, India's Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) manufactures these tanks domestically, reducing reliance on imports and boosting local manufacturing capabilities. India has produced over 1,000 T-90 tanks, significantly bolstering its armored strength.
- Su-30MKI Fighter Jet: The Su-30MKI is the mainstay of the Indian Air Force, with over 270 in service. Licensed production agreements with Russia's Sukhoi and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) enable India to manufacture these advanced fighters domestically, including the integration of indigenous systems and customizations. This has allowed India to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for the production, maintenance, and upgrade of these aircraft.
