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India’s Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh has described Russia as a “longtime and reliable partner” in the security and defence sector. Speaking on the sidelines of the Aero India show that is currently underway in Bangalore, Singh highlighted the strong ties between the two countries, noting that Indian state-owned defence companies are now producing Russian weapons.
Russia is showcasing its most advanced warplanes, including the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter, as well as helicopters, missiles, and air defence systems at the Aero India show. Over the past two decades Russia and India have signed defence contracts worth US$50 billion, according to Alexander Mikheev, the head of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-owned weapons export agency.
India continues to be among the largest importers of weapons globally, while Russia is a long-term supplier and technological partner for some of New Delhi’s most advanced systems, including the Su-30MKI fighter and BrahMos missiles, which are developed jointly by the two countries. Approximately 60% of the Indian military’s hardware today is of Russian origin, and the two countries have expressed their intention of deepening ties further.
Last December, India’s Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a US$1.5 billion contract for the procurement of twelve Russian Sukhoi SU-30MKI aircraft, along with associated equipment, just before Singh visited Moscow. Notably, the domestic content of the jets has increased to 62.6%, a significant improvement from earlier levels. This is due to the government’s policy of seeking more local procurement of components.
The Russia-Indian joint venture for the BrahMos, a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, and fighter aircraft, has not only become a notable player in the Indian domestic market but is also now being exported to third countries. India supplied the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines last year as part of a US$375 million deal signed in 2022, and talks are ongoing with Indonesia for a deal for the missiles reportedly worth US$450 million.
Addressing the Aero India opening ceremony on Monday, Singh emphasized New Delhi’s push towards building more indigenous weapons, as well as increasing the participation of the private sector in defence manufacturing. Drawing parallels with advanced economies where private industry plays a significant role in defence, Singh emphasized that the time had come for India’s private sector to take on a “more substantial” role in this area.
He also highlighted the country’s progress in integrating its defence industrial sector into the national economy. India has made notable strides in domestically manufacturing cutting-edge defence technologies, including Astra and Akash missiles, autonomous underwater vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and Pinaka guided rockets. India’s defence exports have also risen significantly since Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the “Make in India” initiative that promotes domestic production and reduces reliance on foreign procurement. According to government data, the country’s defence exports for the fiscal year 2024-25 should surpass US$2.5 billion.
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