Russia Delivered Indian Military Equipment Valued at $13 Billion in the Last 5 Years: Document Shows
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India's love affair with Russian weapons continues, with 20% of Moscow's current order book going to the South Asian giant. Over the past five years, New Delhi has shelled out around $13 billion on Russian arms, with orders for more military gear worth over $10 billion yet to be fulfilled, according to Russian state news agencies.
Despite Western nations imposing sanctions on Russia, including arms embargoes, in response to its invasion of Ukraine, India, China, and a few Southeast Asian countries are keeping their arms deals alive with Mother Russia.
"Even with the unprecedented pressure from Western nations, led by the United States, in relation to Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, India remains one of Russia's primary partners in the military-technical collaboration," Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia's Federal Solution for Military-Technical Cooperation, said to Interfax agency.
The main items on India's military shopping list from Russia include the S-400 Triumf air defense systems, short-range surface-to-air missile systems such as the Osa, Pechora, or Strela, Su-30 warplanes, MiG-29 helicopters, and drones. India has already signed a $5.4 billion contract for the S-400 system, with deliveries expected by 2024, although conflicts in Ukraine have led to delays.
Talks are also ongoing to modernize India's Su-30MKI fighter jets, and Russia has offered New Delhi unprecedented control over the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, including the transfer of full source codes. This potential deal could significantly upgrade India's air combat capabilities.
However, negotiations for acquiring additional Russian military hardware such as Ka-226T helicopters and more Su-30MKI jets were put on hold in 2023 due to shifting procurement preferences, including India's recent purchase of French Rafale jets instead of Russian Sukhoi fighters.
As the 14th international aerospace exhibition, Aero India 2023, kicks off in Bengaluru this week, Russia is expected to showcase about 200 samples of its military equipment. India is currently on the hunt for billions of dollars worth of military aircraft to meet its growing military demands.
Sources:1. “India’s S-400 air defence system delivering at snail’s pace”2. “Modernisation of Su-30MKI fighter jets on cards, joint flight trials with later model Sukhois on”3. “Russia ready to give India control over fifth-generation fighter Su-57”4. “India’s quest for military muscle: Modernisation of the IAF”5. “India waiting for delivery of S-400 systems from Russia despite delays”
- Amidst the ongoing geopolitical news, the latest sports update from Reuters reveals Russia's preparedness to offer New Delhi unprecedented control over the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, a move that could significantly boost India's air combat capabilities.
- In the ongoing arms race, counterparts from Indian news agencies report that negotiations for acquiring additional Russian military hardware like Ka-226T helicopters and more Su-30MKI jets have been temporarily halted, due to shifting procurement preferences, with India's recent purchase of French Rafale jets signaling a change in direction.
