Amid global geopolitical flux, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Russia this week to strengthen strategic ties, highlighting the enduring importance of the India-Russia partnership in a time of shifting power equations.
Key Meetings and Discussions
Doval participated in the First International Security Forum and the 14th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Matters, hosted by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. The discussions focused on emerging security challenges in an increasingly multipolar world. During his address, Doval stressed that there can be "no double standards" in the fight against terrorism, urging responsible nations to take a clear stand against states that sponsor terror.
Defence Partnership: Past and Present
Russia remains one of India's most important strategic and military partners. For over six decades, Russia has played a central role in India's defence modernisation. Despite India's growing defence ties with Western countries, Moscow remains a pivotal partner. The relationship has moved beyond traditional arms sales to co-development and technology transfers.
Ongoing projects include:
- BrahMos: Jointly developed supersonic cruise missile deployed by all three Indian armed services.
- AK-203: Joint production of AK-203 rifles in India to modernize the Army's infantry arsenal.
- Super Sukhoi: Upgrading the IAF's Su-30 MKI fleet with advanced avionics, radar, and weapons.
- T-90: Russian support for maintenance, upgrades, and sustainment of India's T-90 tank fleet.
- Nuclear Submarine: Russian assistance and submarine leasing helped India gain crucial experience in operating nuclear-powered submarines.
- Talwar-class frigates: Russia supplied and collaborated on the construction of these frigates.
- MiG-29 UPG: Modernization of MiG-29 fighters with improved combat capabilities.
- IL-76: Continued support for India's strategic airlift fleet.
Future Collaborations
India and Russia are increasingly looking towards next-generation military technologies. Potential projects under discussion include:
- Hypersonic Missiles: Building on BrahMos, collaboration on BrahMos II, capable of speeds above Mach 5.
- Su-57 Fighter Jet: Russia has offered the Su-57 stealth fighter with technology transfer and local production.
- Advanced Air Defence Systems: Future cooperation could extend to the S-500 Prometheus system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles and hypersonic threats.
The India-Russia defence partnership has evolved from military supplies to joint development. Even as India diversifies its partnerships and expands indigenous production, Russian-origin platforms remain the backbone of several critical capabilities.
