According to an article on The Hindu web portal, India has responded to Russia’s ambitious plans for increased defense cooperation in a cautious and guarded manner, especially with regard to cutting-edge equipment like the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth aircraft, long-range drones, and submarines.
According to those familiar with the circumstances, New Delhi did not show much enthusiasm for Moscow’s repeated overtures in the run-up to President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to India.
During preparation talks, a top Indian official disclosed that Russia actively promoted aircraft, submarines, and the Geran class of kamikaze drones. India showed little interest in these initiatives, favoring the production of domestic defense goods over new imports.
On the fringes of Putin’s visit, there were high hopes for significant defense announcements, but none of them came to pass. While 19 agreements were signed to bolster bilateral trade, key collaborations involving the Su-57 or Russia’s S-500 air defence system remained absent from the outcomes.
This lackluster response is consistent with India’s determined pursuit of defense manufacturing self-sufficiency, which is referred to in strategic circles as “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” The country’s defense posture has undergone a significant shift from heavily depending on foreign weapons to strengthening homegrown capabilities.
During his speech in Leh on Sunday, December 7, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh demonstrated this paradigm change. He highlighted India’s growing self-sufficiency while dedicating 125 recently finished projects by the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
Singh pointed out that domestic defense output has skyrocketed from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹1.51 lakh crore. This expansion highlights a ten-year increase in manufacturing capabilities.
Furthermore, within the same time period, India’s defense exports increased from less than ₹1,000 crore to around ₹24,000 crore. These numbers show a qualitative increase in technological independence as well as a quantitative expansion.
In Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, the Geran drones—Russia’s modified Shahed-136 kamikaze drones—have proven crucial. They are a cost-effective weapon used in mass salvo strikes and other low-cost, high-volume attrition strategies.
However, there has been little interest in purchasing these drones from Indian military forces and industries. This hesitation is a result of a strategic preference for domestic substitutes in the face of continued hostilities and unpredictability in the global supply chain.
The 23rd Working Group Meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation, which took place in Moscow on October 29, 2025, provides a framework for these discussions. The session, which was co-chaired by Andrey A. Boytsov, First Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical collaboration (FSMTC), and Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defense Production), addressed defense research and development as well as tri-service collaboration.
A signed Protocol outlining new opportunities for cooperation and mutual progress was the result of the meeting. High-value defense agreements, however, continue to elude both parties, underscoring ongoing misalignment.
Russia’s aim to strengthen its relationship with India, a longstanding military aviation partner, is demonstrated by its persistent pitching of the Su-57. A key component of Moscow’s air supremacy doctrine, the stealth fighter has experienced production setbacks and export reluctance.
Enthusiasm for the Su-57 is perhaps tempered by India’s AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program, which targets domestic fifth-generation fighters. As New Delhi moves on with its own Project Kusha, cooperative efforts on the S-500, Russia’s top long-range air defense system, are likewise viewed with caution.
Russia is also making a push with long-range drones and submarines, utilizing its knowledge of undersea combat and autonomous technologies. However, foreign acquisitions are less appealing due to India’s growing drone ecosystem, which is supported by private companies and DRDO programs.
Although India’s focus on nuclear-powered submarines under Project 75I and indigenous designs prioritizes knowledge transfer over outright purchases, submarine offers take use of the ongoing Kalvari-class (Scorpene) partnership.
This dynamic takes place in the context of a complicated geopolitical landscape. India’s multi-alignment strategy strikes a balance between strengthening connections with the West and Russian alliances, such as US cooperation on MQ-9B drones and F-414 engines for TEJAS MK-2.
India has had to diversify its suppliers while retaining strategic autonomy as a result of the situation in Ukraine. Geran drones and other Russian military inventions provide tactical insights but do not supersede the need for self-reliance.
In terms of the economy, increased local output promotes a strong defense industrial base and reduces foreign exchange constraints. This impetus is fueled by both commercial companies like Tata Advanced Systems and public sector initiatives like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Defense corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh are prime examples of infrastructure investments that provide noticeable outcomes. Innovations in avionics, radars, and missiles strengthen India’s position as a rising defense exporter.
India is seen by Russia as a crucial market for maintaining its military-industrial complex in the face of Western sanctions. Joint projects like the AK-203 rifles and BrahMos missile show long-lasting cooperation, but expensive platforms require reciprocal compromises.
Future defense interactions between Russia and India will probably prioritize technology transfer and co-development over off-the-shelf agreements. Incremental advancements in fields like electronics and propulsion are indicated by the Protocol from the October meeting.
An evolving strategic calculation is reinforced by India’s ambivalent attitude toward Russian proposals. By making “Make in India” a top priority, New Delhi not only improves national security but also establishes itself as a global center for defense.
Defense collaboration develops carefully as bilateral commercial agreements grow. In the face of altering global power dynamics, both countries stand to benefit from coordinated R&D investments that could unlock next-generation technology.
This episode demonstrates India’s assured handling of overtures from large powers, combining ambition and pragmatism in the quest for real strategic independence.
