A group of top executives from major Indian defense companies, including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, made a notable trip to Russia this year. This marked the first time Indian defense leaders visited Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The meetings aimed to explore joint ventures and shift long-standing defense partnerships toward technology development.
## Shifting Defense Ties
India has a rich history of relying on Russia for military equipment, with about 36% of Indian military hardware coming from there. This dependence creates challenges, especially as the Indian government seeks to enhance ties with Western defense technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to turn India into a global manufacturing hub, making collaboration with Russia a complicated matter. Experts warn that such partnerships might complicate efforts to acquire advanced Western defense systems.
## Purpose of the Meetings
The discussions occurred alongside an Indian defense delegation visit led by Sanjeev Kumar, the Defence Production Secretary, preparing for an upcoming visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin. While spokespeople from Adani Group and Bharat Forge denied attending the talks, the visit represented an essential step in redefining India-Russia defense relations.
## Opportunities for Joint Production
Conversations during the visit included the production of components for Russian Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jets and air defense systems. Reports indicated that Russia expressed interest in establishing production facilities in India, which would allow for equipment exports back to Russia.
“Russia has been India’s primary arms supplier for decades,” noted an anonymous source familiar with the discussions. The goal is to enhance collaboration on research, development, and production of advanced defense technologies.
## Attendees and Interests
The delegation featured officials from various sectors, including large conglomerates and startups specializing in drones and military AI. An executive from Bharat Forge was reportedly focused on sourcing parts for tanks and aircraft, as well as possible collaborations on helicopters. CEO Ashish Rajvanshi from Adani Defence was also present.
## Navigating Sanctions Risks
Despite the potential for growth, Indian firms are cautious about pursuing deals with Russia. The risk of facing sanctions is a significant concern. A recent report highlighted that a Bharat Forge subsidiary faced diplomatic backlash after exporting artillery shells to Europe, underscoring the political risks involved.
A senior defense official remarked, “While India can shield its companies through diplomacy, they must carefully evaluate the political landscape.”
In sum, as India seeks to innovate in defense manufacturing while balancing its historical ties with Russia, it must navigate a complex environment filled with both opportunities and risks.
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