India-Russia Partnership
India and Russia have reaffirmed their robust defence partnership as a cornerstone of strategic stability, especially ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi on December 4-5, 2025.
This comes amid geopolitical uncertainties, including US pressures under President Trump, yet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the "time-tested, special, privileged" ties during the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation.
These developments underscore how defence cooperation remains resilient, evolving from buyer-seller dynamics to joint production and technology transfer.
Recent Milestones Strengthening Ties
Russia's State Duma recently ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement, a key pact allowing mutual access to military facilities like ports, airfields, and bases for joint exercises, training, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. This formalizes informal practices, boosting operational interoperability between the two militaries.The ratification, timed ahead of Putin's visit, signals Moscow's commitment to deepening logistics support despite Western sanctions.
At the recent commission meeting in New Delhi, Singh emphasized steady progress in armed forces exchanges and economic linkages, including free trade agreement talks with the Eurasian Economic Union.Russian First Deputy PM Denis Manturov noted Russia supplies over 30% of India's defence needs, shifting focus to co-production under 'Make in India'.These steps highlight a partnership adapting to global realignments without disruption.
Major Defence Deals and Collaborations
Ongoing projects exemplify the depth of India-Russia military ties:
- S-400 Air Defence System: Three of five regiments delivered under the $5.43 billion deal; remaining two due by mid-2026. Russia offers 2-3 more regiments with up to 50% technology transfer for local assembly by firms like Bharat Dynamics Limited.
- BrahMos Missiles: Joint venture success, with production and exports showcasing co-development.
- Other Platforms: Includes Su-30MKI jets, T-90 tanks, AK-203 rifles, and potential Su-57 stealth fighters.
Russia remains India's top arms supplier at 36% of imports (2020-2024), per SIPRI, due to legacy systems, interoperability, and strategic autonomy. Joint ventures like fifth-generation fighter and multi-role transport aircraft further evolve cooperation.
Strategic Resilience Amid Challenges
Defence ties anchor the partnership amid shifts like Russia's Ukraine adaptations and India-US diversification. Analyst Dr. Lydia Kulik calls it the "most durable pillar," driven by trust, localization, and sanctions-proof supply chains. India joined Russia-led Zapad 2025 drills, with Pakistan as observer, reinforcing multilateral engagement.
Despite US CAATSA threats over Russian oil and arms, New Delhi prioritizes self-reliance while valuing Moscow's reliability. The 2021-2031 Military Technical Cooperation Programme guides R&D, production, and exercises. This resilience supports broader goals like nuclear submarines and hypersonics.
Future Outlook for Putin-Modi Summit
Putin's visit revives big-ticket deals, focusing on S-400 timelines, RELOS implementation, and new tech transfers. Expect pacts on logistics, air defence, and industry localization to enhance India's multi-layered defences against China and Pakistan threats. As Manturov affirmed, S-400 deliveries stay on track, cementing a "particularly privileged strategic partnership" since 2000.
