Experts Trash Reports of Russian Defence Hardware Era Ending in India

Two experts in international relations have dismissed recent reports in the Indian media claiming that Russia role as a major supplier of military equipment to India has come to an end.

The reports emerged following the decommissioning of the Indian Navy last batch of Ilyushin IL-38 maritime patrol aircraft and the Indian Air Force (IAF) phasing out a squadron of MiG-21 Bison warplanes earlier this month. Dr. Dattesh Parulekar, an Assistant Professor at Goa University School of International and Area Studies, argued that these decommissions were specific instances and did not signify a deliberate policy to replace Russian armaments.

He emphasized that while India is diversifying its defense hardware sources, it does not indicate a shift away from Russian arms and platforms. Instead, these efforts aim to enhance indigenous defense production and self-reliance in security preparedness.

According to Parulekar, the Russia-India defense relationship is evolving pragmatically, influenced by factors such as the Ukraine conflict. He highlighted the longstanding tradition of acquisitions from Russia and the strategic importance of maintaining relationships with both Russia and Western partners.

IAF veteran Vijainder K Thakur asserted that defense procurement aligns with foreign policy guided by the best interests of the citizens. He rejected the idea that recent retirements marked the "end of an era," pointing out that the MiG-21 was retired from Russian Air Force service years ago.

Thakur explained that India procurement of non-lethal defense equipment from the U.S. was influenced by factors like the U.S. ending India nuclear isolation in 2005. He emphasized that the retirement of specific aircraft should not be misconstrued as the termination of India-Russia weapons trade.

Contrary to the narrative of a shifting alliance, Thakur underscored India ongoing defense cooperation with Russia, including recent contracts for locally producing Igla-S MANPADS/SHORADS and importing kits for Su-30MKI. He questioned why India, despite having options, continued to import defense equipment from Russia if there was a supposed shift in policy.

Thakur argued that India import of weapons from Russia is dictated by its needs and foreign policy considerations. Russian weapon systems, he noted, provide a cost-effective solution without the strings attached to some Western alternatives. He emphasized that postures change with time and circumstances, guided by the government assessment of what works best for India, rather than being dictated by media narratives.