New Delhi: In a significant boost to India's 'Make in India' initiative and to strengthen the long-standing defense partnership between the two countries, India and Russia have announced an agreement to promote the joint manufacturing of military parts within India. This agreement was a key outcome of the summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held on Friday.
The core objective of this initiative is to facilitate the production of spare parts, components, and aggregates for the maintenance of Russian-origin arms and defense equipment currently utilized by the Indian Armed Forces. The plan involves technology transfer and the establishment of joint ventures to not only cater to the needs of the Indian military but also enable exports to mutually friendly third countries.
For years, the Indian armed forces have faced delays in receiving critical spares from Russia, which has impacted the maintenance and operational readiness of Russian-sourced platforms. This agreement directly addresses this issue by ensuring a more reliable and efficient supply chain within India.
The joint statement released after the summit highlighted that the India-Russia defense partnership is undergoing a reorientation towards joint research and development, co-development, and co-production of advanced defense technologies and systems. This strategic shift signifies a deeper level of collaboration beyond traditional buyer-seller relationships.
The discussions also encompassed India's interest in acquiring additional S-400 missile system units to bolster its air defense capabilities. India had previously signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 units, with three squadrons already delivered and notably deployed during Operation Sindoor. While Washington had cautioned against the deal, hinting at potential sanctions under CAATSA, India has proceeded with the acquisition to enhance its defense infrastructure. Looking ahead, India is also considering the possibility of procuring the S-500 systems in the future.
This agreement builds upon existing collaborations, such as the BrahMos missile system, a notable joint venture between the two countries. While the BrahMos was initially based on the Soviet-era Yakhont missile, it has been further developed and upgraded as a symbol of Indo-Russian technological cooperation. Other platforms like Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, T-90 tanks, and MiG-21s are currently produced under license in India, though their core design and critical metallurgy remain with Russia.
The announcement follows a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, where both reaffirmed their commitment to broadening defense collaboration through joint development and production of advanced systems. This includes improvements in joint development and production of advanced systems, replenishment supplies, training activities, and other ongoing programs.
This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the defense ties between India and Russia, fostering self-reliance in India's defense sector, and promoting economic growth through technology transfer and export opportunities.
