India brands Russia as long-time, reliable defense ally

(MENAFN) Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed Russia as a longstanding and dependable partner in the defense sector. Speaking with TASS during the Aero India event in Bengaluru, Singh praised the robust defense relationship between the two nations, pointing out that Indian state-run defense firms are now manufacturing Russian weaponry. At the show, Russia is displaying its cutting-edge military technology, including the Su-57 stealth fighter, helicopters, missiles, and air defense systems.

In the last 20 years, Russia and India have signed defense agreements totaling $50 billion, as stated by Alexander Mikheev, head of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s arms export agency. India remains one of the largest global arms importers, and Russia continues to be a key supplier and technology partner for India’s advanced systems, such as the Su-30MKI fighter and BrahMos missiles, a joint development project. Around 60% of India's military equipment is of Russian origin, with both nations aiming to deepen their strategic relationship.

India’s recent $1.5 billion agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to purchase 12 Su-30MKI aircraft reflects the increasing indigenous content of Indian defense systems, with 62.6% of the jets now being produced locally, a significant jump from previous levels. The BrahMos missile, a product of the India-Russia collaboration, is not only a major asset in the Indian defense market but is also being exported to countries like the Philippines and potentially Indonesia.

In his speech at Aero India, Singh emphasized India's focus on expanding its domestic defense production and involving the private sector more actively, similar to advanced economies. He highlighted the country’s progress in creating state-of-the-art military technologies like the Astra and Akash missiles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and guided rockets. Moreover, India’s defense exports have seen a significant rise, surpassing $2.5 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, thanks to initiatives like “Make in India” that encourage local manufacturing and decrease dependence on foreign imports.

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