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India redirects arms sourcing from Russia, preserves strong diplomatic ties.

India adjusts its longstanding weapons supplier from Russia, opting for diversification amidst the turmoil brought by the Ukraine conflict. As the biggest global buyer of arms, India's move towards the West, notably the U.S., is aimed at lessening reliance on Russian military equipment. Delve...

India offloads Russian military equipment and strengthens trade ties.
India offloads Russian military equipment and strengthens trade ties.

India redirects arms sourcing from Russia, preserves strong diplomatic ties.

India, traditionally a significant importer of military equipment from Russia, is actively exploring alternative sources and domestic options to diversify its military procurement. This shift is driven by a combination of geopolitical considerations, concerns over operational readiness of Russian-supplied equipment, and the need to boost domestic production.

Over the past two decades, Russia has supplied 65% of India's weapons, amounting to over $60 billion. However, India is seeking to reduce its reliance on Russia as its primary arms supplier. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" program, aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing, is a key driver of this shift.

India is increasing its focus on domestic defense production. Companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Solar Defence & Aerospace, and Economic Explosives Ltd. are supplying key missile systems, loitering munitions, and rockets indigenously. The government is also procuring equipment under Buy Indian categories, requiring over 60% indigenous content, including carbines and drones.

In addition, emergency procurement has accelerated deals for systems such as Igla-1S VSHORADS, drone detection/interdiction systems, low-level radars, and rifle night sights. This strategy is intended to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen India's self-reliance in the defense sector.

India's modernization roadmap includes acquiring and developing hypersonic weapons, cyber warfare tools, directed energy weapons, and precision-guided munitions. Some indigenous projects, such as Flying Wedge Defence's loitering munitions with a 100 km range, are showcased internationally, positioning India against reliance on Russian supply chains.

India also plans to buy 156 locally made Prachand light combat helicopters, reflecting a shift towards domestic production capacity enhancements. This move is part of a broader strategy to diversify and reduce dependency on Russian arms imports.

While the search results do not explicitly mention alternate foreign suppliers by name, India's increased focus on indigenization, domestic startups, and emergency domestic procurement routes highlight a broad strategy to diversify. This strategy is aimed at balancing ties with Russia and the West, though not necessarily in equal distribution.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has accelerated India's efforts to broaden its sources of military equipment. However, major military deals with Russia are unlikely due to potential sensitivity with Washington. Recent discussions between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar in December 2023 highlighted prospects for military and technical cooperation.

Challenges in the defense sector, including delays in joint projects, have emphasized the importance of a strategic approach in preventing Russia from becoming overly reliant on China. Severing ties with Russia could potentially draw Moscow closer to Beijing, India's only other major economic partner. Delays in the delivery of major platforms and air defense systems have underscored the need for India to diversify its sources for military hardware and spare parts.

In conclusion, India's shift towards diversifying its military procurement is a strategic move aimed at enhancing self-reliance, reducing dependency on Russian arms, and strengthening ties with the West. This strategy involves expanding indigenous manufacturing capabilities, utilising domestic firms, implementing fast-track procurement for urgent needs, modernizing with cutting-edge technologies, and acquiring local production of critical equipment like combat helicopters.

Technology and politics intersect in India's quest for self-reliance by boosting domestic production and indigenous technology development in the defense sector. The government is actively procuring equipment under the 'Buy Indian' categories, promoting the use of domestically-made carbines and drones, while also encouraging companies to produce key missile systems, loitering munitions, and rockets indigenously. Additionally, India is modernizing its military capabilities with cutting-edge technologies such as hypersonic weapons, cyber warfare tools, and directed energy weapons, showcasing some of these indigenous projects in international forums.

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