India is deepening its defence cooperation with Russia despite international pressures, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized during his visit to Moscow on December 10, 2024. Singh confirmed India's steadfast commitment to its Russian allies, saying, "We will always be with our Russian colleagues," a sentiment he reiterated in a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Singh was in Moscow to co-chair the 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), alongside Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov. India and Russia are in advanced talks about a major $4 billion defence deal aimed at strengthening India's air defence infrastructure. This deal focuses on the acquisition of the sophisticated Voronezh radar system, a significant step in bolstering India's ability to detect and respond to aerial threats across a vast region.
The proposed deal is a testament to the enduring defence partnership between New Delhi and Moscow. The Voronezh radar, developed by Russia's Almaz-Antey Corporation, will provide India with advanced detection capabilities. With a vertical range of over 8,000 kilometers and a horizontal range exceeding 6,000 kilometers, this radar system can track multiple threats, including ballistic missiles, stealth aircraft, fighter jets, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The system is said to have the capability to track over 500 objects at once, including objects in near-Earth space.
This radar will enhance India's situational awareness, particularly over critical regions such as China, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean. The advanced system will play a key role in addressing India's evolving security needs amidst growing regional and global challenges.
Aligned with India's 'Make in India' campaign, the agreement stipulates that a minimum of 60% of the radar system components will be produced locally. A delegation from Almaz-Antey has already visited India to explore opportunities with possible offset partners.
India's defence ties with Russia have been long-standing and resilient, stretching back to the Cold War era. Over the decades, the two nations have maintained a close partnership in military and strategic affairs, with Russia emerging as one of India's key defence suppliers. This relationship was solidified during the Cold War, when India sought to balance its geopolitical interests in the face of global superpower rivalry.
Russia continues to be a major supplier of defence equipment to India, providing about 60 -70 percent of its military needs. Significant procurements have included the Su-30MKI and MiG-29 jets, T-90 tanks, the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier, and the BrahMos missile system, a successful partnership between India and Russia.
While India’s defence strategy also increasingly incorporates partnerships with other nations, such as the United States, the country's longstanding relationship with Russia remains crucial. The US offers high-tech systems through agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA, which include Apache and Chinook helicopters and MQ-9B drones. However, Russia's flexibility in payment terms and customisation options makes it an appealing partner for cost-effective, technology-transferring platforms. For instance, India has benefited from the licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30MKIs.
India’s defence procurements reflect its evolving security needs in the Indo-Pacific region. While the US prioritizes advanced technologies to address China, Russia remains committed to supplying essential, budget-friendly defense systems. Despite US sanctions under CAATSA, India has managed to navigate challenges surrounding Russian equipment like the S-400 by using alternatives such as Rupee-Ruble trade agreements.
Despite the increasing alignment between Russia, China, and Pakistan raising concerns, India maintains its reliance on Russia as a key defence ally. The proposed Voronezh radar deal highlights this enduring strategic partnership, showcasing India's dedication to strengthening its security capabilities.
In line with its focus on self-reliance in defence, India continues to leverage both Russia and the US to ensure a diversified defence portfolio. As Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Russia unfolds, it further underscores the strategic importance of the India-Russia relationship in the face of an increasingly complex global security environment.