Indo-Russian Defense Partnership: Joint Production on the Horizon?

Speculation is rife following reports of meetings between top Indian defense companies, such as Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, and their Russian counterparts. These discussions, held in Moscow recently, are seen as a crucial step in India’s evolving defense procurement landscape, emphasizing joint manufacturing over sole imports. This shift comes at a sensitive time, with Russia engaged in conflict. For decades, Russia has been a cornerstone of India’s military supply chain. Now, India aims to deepen this alliance by co-developing and co-producing defense systems, thereby enhancing its domestic production capabilities. While the reported agenda included potential collaboration on parts for tanks and aircraft, and future helicopter projects, representatives from Adani Defence and Bharat Forge have issued denials. The prospect of augmented Indo-Russian defense cooperation is causing concern in Western nations, who fear it could impede access to advanced military technology.