By John Q. Hosedrinker India is significantly reducing its reliance on Russian defense equipment, shifting towards Western suppliers like the US and France. This policy change, driven partly by the war in Ukraine, sees India prioritizing joint ventures and purchases of advanced technology, such as long-range drones and jet engines. While some joint projects with Russia remain, particularly in maintaining existing equipment, India’s defense modernization increasingly involves Western partners. This shift reflects Prime Minister Modi’s broader strategy of balancing relationships with both Russia and the West.
Read the original article here
India’s evolving relationship with Russia and the United States in the realm of military procurement is a complex and multifaceted issue. It’s not a simple case of a complete shift from one superpower to another, but rather a strategic diversification of its defense partnerships, driven by several key factors. The recent war in Ukraine has certainly acted as a catalyst, highlighting the limitations and unreliability of Russia’s defense industry. The performance of Russian equipment on the battlefield has raised serious concerns in New Delhi about the reliability and effectiveness of its existing Russian-made weaponry.
The perception of Russia’s equipment as “crap” is not entirely unfounded; its performance in Ukraine has exposed vulnerabilities and logistical issues that are causing serious second thoughts amongst potential buyers. This isn’t to say all Russian equipment is inferior, but the war has certainly underscored the need for diversification and the exploration of more reliable alternatives. The impact of the war on Russia’s ability to deliver on existing contracts has also played a role. Delays in supplying vital components, like those for anti-missile systems, underscore Russia’s current strained capacity and logistical problems.
India’s shift is not solely towards the United States; it’s toward Western hardware in general. France, for example, is a significant supplier to India. This points towards a broader strategy of reducing reliance on a single supplier—Moscow—rather than a total switch of allegiance to Washington. In fact, labeling this as a “pivot” to the US might be slightly misleading. While there has been a significant increase in purchases from the United States in recent years, critically important military platforms, such as fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and nuclear submarines, are still largely sourced from Russia and France, at least in terms of their design or origin.
This strategic diversification is about hedging bets and ensuring the reliability of its military supplies. The cost-effectiveness of Russian weaponry was historically a significant advantage, but the long-term costs of frequent repairs and maintenance are now a serious factor. This, coupled with the ongoing war and its effect on Russian industrial capacity, makes a compelling case for exploring alternatives from more reliable sources. The growing concerns about Russian reliance on Chinese electronics for its defense industry adds another layer of complexity.
The United States, meanwhile, has emerged as a significant supplier, but the deals are not always for “cutting-edge” weapons, as the narrative might suggest. Instead, many of the biggest deals have focused on critical support systems, such as transport aircraft (C-17s, C-130s, Chinooks), anti-submarine warfare aircraft (P-8 Poseidon, MH-60R Seahawk, MQ-9B Sea Guardian), and gas turbines. The significant contracts inked with the US since 2018, totaling nearly $20 billion, reflect this focus. The deal for 31 long-range drones from General Atomics, worth over $3 billion, serves as a prime example.
While India continues to cooperate with Russia on certain projects, such as the joint manufacturing of rifles and missiles, the scale of these endeavors is relatively small in the context of the overall picture. Russia still remains a major supplier of spare parts for legacy equipment, a necessity given the decades-long service life of much of India’s existing weaponry. This underlines the ongoing dependence on Russia for maintaining operational readiness for a considerable period. The stalled indigenous fighter jet program, hampered by issues with US-based GE supplying jet engines, also highlights the complexities and challenges of building self-reliance. However, India’s own progress in developing its own ICBM and submarine technology demonstrates a growing capacity to decrease reliance on Russia for certain capabilities.
The geopolitical considerations cannot be ignored either. India’s increasing proximity to the US defense orbit is strategically intertwined with its efforts to counterbalance its relationship with Russia while simultaneously managing the complex and often tense relationship with China. This multi-pronged approach necessitates securing reliable and technologically advanced weaponry from diverse sources to bolster its national security. The recent Indo-US defense agreements reflect a shift towards a more robust relationship, though the underlying motivations are multifaceted, going far beyond a mere purchase of weapons. The partnership also reflects a broader strategic alignment as a counterweight to rising Chinese influence in the region.
Ultimately, India’s shift isn’t a dramatic break from its traditional ties with Russia but a carefully calibrated move towards a more diversified and resilient defense posture. This measured approach ensures continued operational capacity while fostering partnerships with Western nations that offer access to more reliable and technologically advanced equipment, all while navigating the intricate landscape of geopolitical relations in the region.