Defence has long been one of the most visible pillars of the India–Russia relationship. What began as a buyer–seller arrangement in the early decades has gradually transformed into a sophisticated partnership of joint research, development and production, anchored in mutual trust and an appreciation of India’s strategic autonomy.
Historical Evolution: A Dependable Partner in India’s Modernisation
From the 1960s onwards, the Soviet Union became a critical partner in India’s military modernisation, supplying fighter aircraft, tanks, naval platforms and air defence systems at scale and often on concessional terms. This cooperation played a central role in India’s ability to defend itself and maintain stability in a difficult neighbourhood.
Post-1991, as Russia emerged from its own transformation, both sides took deliberate steps to preserve and update this legacy. In 2000, they set up the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) to manage the expanding agenda, providing an institutional umbrella for all defence projects.
The 2021–2031 Military Technical Cooperation Programme
A fresh Agreement on the Programme for Military Technical Cooperation for 2021–2031 was signed during the inaugural 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi in December 2021. This long-term framework reflects a shared intent to deepen cooperation across the entire lifecycle of defence systems – from design and production to training, maintenance and after-sales support.
Key features of the evolving partnership include:
- Moving from simple procurement to co-development and co-production;
- Greater focus on technology transfer;
- Aligning projects with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing goals.
Platforms and Projects: Steel in the Spine of India’s Armed Forces
Russian-origin systems remain central to all three wings of the Indian armed forces:
- Army: Licensed production of T-90 tanks in India has significantly enhanced the Army’s armoured capabilities, complemented by older but upgraded T-72 platforms.
- Air Force: The Su-30MKI – jointly developed with Russia and produced under licence in India – is the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet. Upgrades to MiG-29 aircraft and acquisitions such as MiG-29K(for carrier aviation) have broadened the spectrum of capabilities.
- Navy: India’s partnership with Russia has extended to submarines, frigates and naval helicopters. The commissioning of INS Tushil, a stealth frigate built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad and commissioned in 2024 in the presence of India’s Defence Minister, underscores the continuing relevance of this cooperation.
Perhaps the best-known symbol of co-development is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, produced by an Indo-Russian joint venture. Deployed by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, BrahMos is a powerful example of how the partnership has moved beyond simple procurement to high-end joint innovation.
Another important initiative is Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), which manufactures AK-203 assault rifles in India. This not only equips Indian troops with modern small arms but also strengthens India’s defence industrial base and export potential.
Exercises and Interoperability: INDRA and Beyond
Defence cooperation is not limited to equipment. The armed forces of both countries conduct regular joint exercises, enhancing interoperability and shared understanding:
- The INDRA series of exercises, involving the Army, Navy and Air Force, are the flagship engagements, alternating between Indian and Russian locations.
- In 2025, INDRA Naval Exercise 2025 was held in two phases – a harbour phase in Chennai and a sea phase in the Bay of Bengal – with participation of frontline ships and maritime patrol aircraft.
- Russian ships have frequently taken part in multilateral exercises hosted by India, including MILAN, while Indian warships regularly visit Russian ports such as Vladivostok and St Petersburg.
Such engagements are not mere symbolism. They contribute directly to maritime security, anti-piracy operations, search-and-rescue coordination and confidence-building between two major naval powers in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic-North Atlantic theatres.
High-Level Defence Dialogue
The IRIGC-M&MTC (Military and Military-Technical Cooperation) meets regularly at the ministerial level. Its 21st session in Moscow in December 2024, co-chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, reviewed ongoing projects and identified future pathways for cooperation.
India’s Defence Minister also participates in the Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS), where India has consistently articulated its perspective on an inclusive, rules-based, multipolar security architecture.
Defence and Atmanirbhar Bharat: Russia’s Role
India is determined to become a major defence manufacturer, not just for its own needs but also as an exporter to friendly partners. Russia has indicated clear support for this vision, backing Make in India projects and expressing willingness to localise production and share technology where feasible.
For New Delhi, the priority is to diversify sources, indigenise production and reduce vulnerabilities, while preserving stable legacy partnerships. Cooperation with Russia is now framed in these terms – moving up the value chain, focusing on joint R&D and ensuring that future platforms are tailored to Indian requirements and export prospects.
A Balanced, Future-Ready Defence Partnership
Critics sometimes reduce the India–Russia defence relationship to legacy dependence. The reality is more nuanced. India is diversifying, yes – but it is also modernising and upgrading Russian-origin platforms that still offer considerable capability, and leveraging Russian willingness to co-produce and transfer technology.
In a world where supply chains are fragile and geopolitical fault lines shifting, it remains an advantage for India to have a trusted, long-standing defence partner with whom it can collaborate across domains – from land and air platforms to missiles, naval systems and emerging areas such as space and cyber.
The India–Russia defence partnership, anchored in mutual respect and shared interests, will therefore continue to be a crucial pillar of India’s strategic autonomy and national security, even as New Delhi broadens its network of defence relationships worldwide.