Russia: India’s Most Trusted Army Ally

Defence consultants have reaffirmed Russia’s place as India’s most reliable defence companion, highlighting Moscow’s constant assist, willingness for know-how switch, and openness to co-production.

Thomas Mathew, retired IAS officer who has served within the Ministries of Defence and Finance, described Russia as an “unquestioning and dependable” defence provider. He stated Russia’s S-400 air defence system proved to be a game-changer throughout latest battle conditions with Pakistan, and the supply of the S-500 — although anticipated to take time — marked one other main alternative for India.

Consultants famous that further S-400 missile methods would considerably bolster India’s air defence capabilities, whereas discussions on the superior S-500 system sign the following part of strategic cooperation.

“Russia has by no means withheld know-how, by no means questioned India’s selections, and by no means linked army assist to situations,” he famous. “If any nation has constantly supported India’s defence modernisation, it’s Russia. Their readiness for know-how switch is unmatched and essential for strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative. India has already seen technological evolution by way of joint tasks like BrahMos.”

Bilateral assembly

In June this 12 months, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a complete bilateral assembly with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov in Qingdao, China, the place a dialogue was held over the well timed supply of S-400 air defence system to India, to which the Russian chief confirmed it of well timed supply.

An preliminary order of 5 S-400s was positioned by India and three had been delivered. The remaining two S-400 models had been on observe, with deliveries anticipated to be accomplished within the stipulated time-frame, he introduced. Out of the remaining two, one could be delivered subsequent 12 months 2026 and the final one in 2027.

Learn:India, Russia reaffirm defence ties at Ministerial assembly in Delhi

Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (retired), Director Normal, Centre for Air Energy Research, emphasised that India-Russia defence ties had reworked from a purchaser–vendor mannequin to co-production and know-how sharing. Whereas no main deal was signed throughout the latest leadership-level talks, he famous that either side agreed to discover new avenues for joint growth.

He added that after the S-400, India would naturally consider the S-500 system when it turned obtainable. “The India-Russia partnership is right here to remain. It sends a transparent message that India chooses its companions based mostly on nationwide curiosity — not exterior strain.”

Consultants additionally identified Russia’s enduring army energy and financial resilience regardless of sanctions, asserting that Moscow remained the one nation able to providing India the dimensions of know-how switch it seeks.

Though no main defence announcement was anticipated throughout the bilateral summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held lately, consultants underlined that a number of agreements in different sectors replicate the continued depth of the strategic partnership.