India, Russia Strengthen Defense Ties, Highlighted by Aero India Show

(MENAFN) Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed Russia’s position as a “longtime and reliable partner” in the security and defense sectors. Speaking with the Russian news agency TASS during the Aero India event in Bengaluru, which kicked off on Monday, Singh emphasized the strong defense relationship between the two nations, noting that Indian state-owned defense companies are now manufacturing Russian weapons.

At the Aero India show, Russia is showcasing its most advanced military hardware, including the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter, alongside a range of helicopters, missiles, and air defense systems. Over the last two decades, Russia and India have signed defense contracts totaling USD 50 billion, according to Alexander Mikheev, the head of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-run weapons export agency.

India remains one of the largest global importers of weapons, with Russia serving as a key supplier and technological partner for some of India’s most advanced military systems, such as the Su-30MKI fighter and BrahMos missiles, which are co-developed by both countries. Today, around 60 percent of India’s military equipment is of Russian origin, and both nations have expressed intentions to further deepen their defense ties.

MENAFN11022025000045017092ID1109192089