India Russia Defence Cooperation GS Paper - 2 Bilateral Grou | Deepak UPSC Notes

India Russia Defence Cooperation

GS Paper - 2

Bilateral Groupings & Agreements

Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests

GS Paper - 3

Defence Technology

India Russia Defence Cooperation

Important Pillar:

Defence cooperation is an important pillar of the India-Russia strategic partnership.

Regular Meetings:

The two Defence Ministers meet annually,alternately in Russia and India, to discuss and review the status of ongoing projects and other issues of military technical cooperation.

In 2008, the High Level Monitoring Committee(HLMC) was set up with Defence Secretaryfrom the Ministry of Defence (India) and Director of Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation (FSMTC - Russia) as its co-chairs.

Downturn:

While India and Russia’s economic relationship has been a weak point in the post-Cold War period, the US emerged as the top arms supplier to India, pushing Russia to the second position based on data for the years 2011-13.

Current Scenario:

The low of 2013-14 has since been corrected and the crucial deal of S-400 Triumf Air Defence Missile System was initiated despite fears of sanctions under CAATSA.

As India has been spreading its supplier base with Israel, US and France, Russia still remains a major supplier. This is indicated by following latest developments:

India has approved proposals to acquireMig29 and Su30 MKI fighter aircraft from Russia for 2.4 billion USD.

The two sides are successfully moving towards the implementation of a AK-203 rifle contract and 200 Ka-226T utility helicopters supplies.

According to a paper published by Stimson Center, 86% of the equipment, weapons and platforms currently in military service in India are of Russian origin.

From Imports to Joint Production:

Over the years, cooperation in the military technical sphere has evolved from a purely buyer-seller relationship to joint research, design development and production of state of the art military platforms. 

Production of the Brahmos cruise missileis an example of this trend.

Joint Exercises:

Exercise INDRA, is a joint, tri services exercise between India and Russia.

Russia's Military Equipment Deployed by India:

Navy:

The Navy's only active aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya is from Russia. A nuclear attack submarine Chakra II is also in service.

Army:

Army’s T-90 and T-72 main battle tanks.

Air Force:

IAF’s Su30 MKI fighter.