By John Q. Hosedrinker 
According to a Kyiv Post source in Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), Russia and India are planning to deepen their military-technical cooperation. The two countries are scheduled to meet in St. Petersburg from September 15-18 to finalize military cooperation plans for 2025-2026. The agenda includes discussions on defense cooperation, military training, and joint exercises, with Ukrainian intelligence obtaining a detailed schedule. This development comes as India continues to purchase Russian oil and Prime Minister Modi signals positive progress in relations with Russia, suggesting a commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
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Ukrainian Intel Leaks, Russia-India Secret Defense Talks to Shape 2025–2026 Military Pact: Let’s unpack this.
So, it appears we’re dealing with “leaked” information about secret defense talks between Russia and India, potentially aimed at solidifying a military pact scheduled to take shape between 2025 and 2026. The immediate reaction, it seems, isn’t one of shock. Given the long-standing history of India purchasing Russian military hardware, this kind of cooperation feels almost…expected. The article cited a recent meeting, in November 2024, of the India-Russia Working Group on Military Cooperation. This meeting emphasized knowledge-sharing and the expansion of joint exercises, which is probably a key component to a broader pact.
The discussion immediately raises an important point: the existing defense relationship between the two nations. India and Russia have a long-standing military pact, dating back to the early 1970s. While this isn’t necessarily “news,” it’s the context in which these “secret” talks are unfolding. Then the discussion veers into how a Trump presidency might influence the situation. Trump, in his previous term, apparently strained the US-India relationship. The argument is that by isolating India, Trump might inadvertently be pushing them closer to Russia.
Of course, the idea of secret talks and leaks conjures skepticism. The article mentions that many of these activities are already public knowledge. The core of the story isn’t the existence of defense talks, but the specific details, the depth of the agreement, and the motivations behind it. Some question the wisdom of India cozying up to Russia, particularly given Russia’s track record of not honoring agreements and its questionable military performance in recent conflicts. There is also the fact that Vladimir Putin is supposed to visit India, signaling a strengthening of ties.
Here’s where it becomes interesting: the geopolitical context. China, a supposed ally of Russia, has its own complex relationship with India. They’re not exactly best friends, and China views Far East Russia with suspicion. A strengthened military pact between India and Russia could significantly impact China’s strategic calculations. It is the West that may be nervous, the real conversation should be how this deal affects China. Then, the discussion shifts back to the history of both Russian and American actions within the country of India.
The core idea is that India, facing pressure and challenges from the US and its perceived support of Pakistan, might feel compelled to strengthen its ties with Russia for military support. Some suggest that Trump’s actions might have inadvertently accelerated this trend, pushing India further away from the US and into Russia’s orbit.
The article also hints at the economic implications. While the “secret” defense talks are the focus, the broader strategic relationship between India and Russia is also clearly relevant. The focus is on defense, not trade. Some are discussing the motivations behind this growing alignment. India is choosing Russia not because of any ideological alliance.
There are, of course, criticisms of India’s approach. Some view India’s growing relationship with Russia as a betrayal of its democratic values, particularly in light of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. There’s also a reminder of the historical context, with India’s non-alignment policy during the Cold War.
Ultimately, the story, as presented, is less about breaking news and more about interpreting the current state of affairs. It highlights the complexities of international relations, where history, geopolitics, and strategic interests intertwine, and where the details of “secret” talks may not be as revelatory as the broader picture they paint. The conclusion is that this potential pact could reshape alliances and influence the global balance of power in the coming years.