The BRICS 2026 sidelines have highlighted a new phase in India–Russia defence cooperation, with manufacturing, modernisation and technology transfer gaining greater importance.
The India–Russia strategic partnership has traditionally been associated with defence equipment, but recent developments suggest a broader model of cooperation. During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026, the two countries discussed expanding cooperation in defence, energy, infrastructure, technology and manufacturing. The two sides are also working towards a target of US$100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
The emerging pattern is particularly significant for India because it combines the country’s longstanding defence relationship with Russia with the objectives of Make in India, technology transfer, indigenisation and domestic defence manufacturing.
A New Phase in India–Russia Defence Cooperation
India has been one of Russia’s most important defence partners for decades. Aircraft, submarines, missiles, helicopters and air-defence systems have formed a major part of the relationship.
However, the nature of cooperation is gradually changing.
Instead of relying exclusively on the direct import of finished military platforms, India increasingly seeks:
- technology transfer,
- licensed production,
- joint development,
- local manufacturing,
- maintenance and overhaul capabilities,
- greater indigenous content.
This approach is consistent with India’s broader objective of building a self-reliant defence-industrial ecosystem.
The recent discussions involving Su-57, Su-30MKI modernisation, air-defence missiles, HAL, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and private-sector companies illustrate this transition.
Su-57: Russia’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Proposal
One of the most prominent proposals discussed around Putin’s visit was Russia’s offer of cooperation on the Su-57, its fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Russia has previously offered India the possibility of joint production and extensive technology cooperation for the aircraft. The proposal is significant because Russia has presented the Su-57 as a possible bridge capability while India develops its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
However, it is important for students to distinguish between a proposal and a concluded acquisition agreement.
As of the latest reporting around the BRICS summit, the Su-57 proposal had not resulted in a final Indian acquisition decision. Reports also indicate that the Indian Air Force remains committed to its broader fighter-modernisation plans, including Rafale and the indigenous AMCA programme.
Exam Point
Su-57 → Russia → Fifth-generation fighter → Proposed technology transfer/joint production → India
AMCA → India → Indigenous fifth-generation fighter programme
Su-30MKI and the ‘Super Sukhoi’ Upgrade
A more immediate area of cooperation is the modernisation of India’s large Su-30MKI fleet.
Russia has proposed a major modernisation programme involving advanced systems and technologies. Reports put the value of the proposed upgrade at more than US$11 billion, although the exact scope and final contractual arrangements should be distinguished from proposals under discussion.
The programme is significant because the Su-30MKI forms a major component of India’s fighter fleet.
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is also involved in the Su-30MKI ecosystem. Separately, HAL has been extending the service life of the Russian-origin AL-31FP engine, demonstrating how India has developed domestic expertise around Russian-origin platforms.
The broader modernisation effort is expected to involve areas such as:
- avionics,
- radar,
- electronic warfare,
- sensors,
- weapons integration,
- propulsion and maintenance.
Private Industry Enters the India–Russia Defence Partnership
An important development is the growing involvement of Indian private-sector defence companies.
Recent reporting indicates that Adani Defence & Aerospace has emerged as a significant Indian partner for Russian-origin air-defence systems, alongside established public-sector organisations such as HAL and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
This represents a broader change in India’s defence-industrial structure.
Earlier model
Government organisation + foreign supplier → import/technology cooperation
Emerging model
Government + private industry + foreign technology partner → manufacturing + technology transfer + indigenous production
This is closely linked with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India objectives.
Igla-S and Verba: Air-Defence Cooperation
Adani Defence has been involved in contracts concerning Russian-origin Igla-S man-portable air-defence systems.
Recent reporting says the company has received multiple contracts involving these systems for India’s armed forces and has technical cooperation with Russian company SpecTech LLC.
A larger proposal involving the 9K333 Verba very-short-range air-defence system has also been reported. The proposed arrangement involves manufacturing in India and technology cooperation. The reported value is around ₹1,800 crore, but students should remember that a proposal/nomination should not automatically be described as a completed contract.
Exam Connection
Igla-S → Russian-origin → Man-portable air-defence system
Verba → Russian-origin → Very Short-Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS)
These developments are relevant to India’s effort to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and air-defence capabilities.
HAL and BDL: Strengthening the Public-Sector Defence Base
India’s defence cooperation with Russia is not limited to private companies.
HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is involved in aircraft manufacturing, maintenance and modernisation programmes, including the Su-30MKI.
BDL
Bharat Dynamics Limited is involved in India’s missile-production ecosystem and is reported to be working with Russian partners on air-to-air missile manufacturing.
Together, these developments illustrate the increasing importance of Indian manufacturing capacity in the India–Russia defence relationship.
Defence Cooperation and the ‘Make in India’ Model
The strategic significance of these developments goes beyond individual weapons systems.
India wants foreign defence partnerships to contribute to its domestic industrial base.
Technology transfer and local production can potentially help India develop expertise in:
- aerospace manufacturing,
- missile production,
- electronics,
- propulsion,
- radar and sensors,
- maintenance and overhaul,
- precision engineering.
This creates a possible multiplier effect: foreign technology → Indian manufacturing → domestic skills → indigenous research → future Indian defence systems.
The experience gained from Russian-origin platforms has already contributed to India’s ability to manufacture and maintain several major defence systems domestically.
India–Russia Trade Target: $100 Billion by 2030
Defence is only one component of the wider bilateral relationship.
India and Russia have set an ambitious objective of taking bilateral trade to US$100 billion by 2030, while also seeking greater investment and industrial cooperation. India’s Commerce and Industry Ministry has highlighted opportunities for expanding Indian exports to Russia in areas such as pharmaceuticals, automobile components and food products.
The two countries are also exploring cooperation in:
- energy,
- civil nuclear power,
- infrastructure,
- critical minerals,
- manufacturing,
- railways,
- technology.
This is an important shift from viewing India–Russia relations purely through the lens of defence.
Critical Minerals and Strategic Technologies
Critical minerals have become increasingly important because they are essential for:
- electric vehicles,
- batteries,
- semiconductors,
- renewable-energy technologies,
- aerospace,
- defence electronics.
Consequently, cooperation over critical minerals can become an important component of India’s long-term economic and strategic security.
The India–Russia discussions in 2026 have therefore placed industrial cooperation and critical minerals alongside traditional areas such as defence and energy.
Energy Remains a Major Pillar
Energy has historically been another important component of India–Russia relations.
India has continued to emphasise energy security, while Russia remains an important source of energy supplies. The relationship has consequently acquired an economic dimension extending well beyond military cooperation.
The current geopolitical environment, including sanctions and disruptions to global energy markets, makes energy diversification and secure supply chains particularly important for India.
The Thirukkural: Culture as a Tool of Diplomacy
The India–Russia relationship is not limited to defence and economics.
During his September 2026 meeting with Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the Russian President with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil work attributed to poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The edition contains the original Tamil text, transliteration and Russian translation.
The Thirukkural contains 1,330 couplets in 133 chapters and addresses themes including ethics, governance, wealth and human relationships.
This is an example of cultural diplomacy, where literature, art and cultural heritage are used to strengthen relations between countries.
Exam Point
Thirukkural → Thiruvalluvar → Tamil literature → 1,330 couplets → 133 chapters
Why India–Russia Defence Cooperation Matters
The current phase of the relationship can be understood through five keywords:
1. Modernisation
Upgrading existing platforms such as the Su-30MKI.
2. Indigenisation
Increasing Indian manufacturing and indigenous content.
3. Technology Transfer
Acquiring technical knowledge rather than simply importing finished products.
4. Joint Production
Manufacturing Russian-origin systems in India.
5. Diversification
Expanding cooperation beyond defence into energy, critical minerals, manufacturing and trade.
Challenges Before the Partnership
The relationship also faces several challenges.
India has to balance its longstanding relationship with Russia with its growing defence and strategic partnerships with other countries.
Russia’s defence industry is also operating under the pressure of the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict and international sanctions. These factors can affect production schedules, supply chains and delivery timelines.
At the same time, India is increasingly emphasising indigenous platforms, particularly programmes such as AMCA and Project Kusha. This means future foreign cooperation will increasingly be evaluated in terms of its contribution to India’s own technological and manufacturing capabilities.
Therefore, the emerging India–Russia model is less about buying Russian weapons and increasingly about using international partnerships to strengthen India’s own defence-industrial capabilities.
Leave a Reply