India Expands Defense Procurement Beyond Russia, But Moscow Still Dominates
New Delhi, March 10: India ranked second globally in arms imports during the 2021–2025 period, accounting for 8.2% of total global imports of major weapons, according to a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report indicates that Russia remained the largest supplier of arms to India, providing about 40% of the country’s total imports during the period. Analysts noted, however, that India has been gradually increasing procurement from Western suppliers in recent years as part of a broader diversification strategy.
Military-technical cooperation has long been a central element of the strategic partnership between Russia and India. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov earlier said that around 60–70% of the Indian armed forces’ equipment is of Soviet or Russian origin, systems that have demonstrated reliability in real combat operations. Cooperation between the two countries includes several major joint and licensed production projects.
Among the most prominent examples is the joint development and production of the BrahMos missile since 1998. Other ongoing collaborations include the manufacture of AK‑203 assault rifle rifles in India and licensed production of T‑90 tank tanks, Su‑30MKI fighter aircraft, and aircraft engines. According to Alipov, contracts for the construction of Project 11356 frigate warships and the supply of S‑400 Triumph air defense system are being implemented steadily. Dialogue between the two sides also continues on future cooperation projects, including the export version of the Sukhoi Su‑57E fighter jet as well as autonomous systems, anti-drone technologies, aircraft ammunition, and advanced missile and torpedo weapons.
Read More
- US vs. The World: America’s 43% Share of the Global Arms Market Explained
- Biden Approves Ukraine’s Use of U.S. Arms Striking Russia
- US Arms Sale to Taiwan: US govt officially notifies
- Statement of People’s Republic of China to 6th Conference of States Parties to Arms Trade Treaty-17/08/2020
- UNO Arms Trade Treaty – 2013
