India Shifts from Russian Weapons to US Defense Suppliers

India has significantly reduced its defense procurement from Russia, turning instead to Western suppliers, according to a Bloomberg report on December 3.

Last year, only 36% of India’s weapons came from Russia, a sharp decline from 76% in 2009, signaling a major shift for a nation historically reliant on Moscow for military hardware.

High-ranking Indian officials familiar with the matter confirmed that plans for joint development and production of helicopters and advanced fighter jets with Russia have been postponed. Additionally, a proposal to lease a Russian submarine for training purposes is unlikely to materialize as India focuses on building its own vessels.

India will still receive two warships and missile defense batteries from Russia—contracts signed before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

However, New Delhi’s pivot reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategy to reduce dependency on Moscow while continuing to buy discounted Russian energy and offering diplomatic support to President Vladimir Putin.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India is increasingly sourcing weapons from Western manufacturers and developing domestic production capabilities with support from the US and France. Since 2018, India has signed nearly $20 billion worth of defense contracts with US-based companies.

In October, India agreed to a $3 billion deal for 31 long-range drones produced by US defense giant General Atomics.

Additionally, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, an Indian state-run company, is close to finalizing an agreement with General Electric to co-produce advanced jet engines, following Modi’s state visit to the US last year.

Despite the diversification, India maintains a strategic defense relationship with Russia. The two nations continue to co-produce rifles and missiles, and Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier.

Moreover, India still relies on Russia for its nuclear submarine capabilities.

“Russia remains the only country willing to offer India nuclear submarines,” noted Anit Mukherjee, a senior lecturer at King’s College London specializing in India’s military and foreign policy. “India’s partnership with the West will remain incomplete until both sides can address nuclear issues.”

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with the Times of India that The second peace summit may take place in India.